An Investigation of Heart Rate Recovery Responses to Repeated Active Stand Protocols

Study background:

Impaired heart rate recovery following active stand is associated with morbidity and mortality. Evidence for the repeatability of this measure is limited. This study seeks to determine the repeatability of the active stand procedure in eliciting heart rate recovery in healthy adults of all ages.

Research aims:

The aims of this study are to determine the repeatability of heart rate recovery in response to the active stand procedure among different age groups.

Study design:

This will be a repeatability study with between group comparison.

Study setting:

This study will take place in the Clinical Research Facility in St James's Hospital.

Participants:

Participants will be recruited from the staff and student population of Trinity College Dublin and St James's Hospital, from the Trinity Retirement Association and from the community in the St. James's Hospital catchment area. Participants will be healthy adults (over 18 years old). They will be invited to participate via an email and poster campaign. Participation will be fully voluntary. Participants who meet inclusion criteria will be selected. Informed, explicit voluntary consent will be obtained from each participant.

Data collection and processing:

Data collection and processing will be carried out by the Research Physiotherapist. A clinical visit for the participant will be arranged at a time most convenient for them. Participants will conduct the active stand assessment on three occasions.