Plasma volume shifts during progressive arm and leg exercise.

Upper and lower body exercise was performed to assess the influence muscle mass has on plasma volume (PV) shifts. Nine male subjects (mean = 28 yr) completed a progressive intensity, discontinuous test with an arm crank (AC) and cycle (CY) ergometer. Power output (PO) levels for the AC were 25, 74, 98, and 133 W. PO levels for the CY were 49, 98, 147, and 263 W. At a given submaximal oxygen uptake (VO2), PV efflux was significantly greater for AC compared with CY exercise. When PV efflux was related to the relative intensity of the exercise (ergometer specific % peak VO2), responses were nearly identical. Maximal PV efflux was 18% for both AC and CY exercise. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly greater for AC compared with CY exercise for a given VO2. MAP plotted against the relative intensity of exercise, however, was similar for both AC and CY exercise. These results suggest that the amount of plasma efflux during exercise is related to the MAP, which is directly related to the relative intensity of the exercise.