The exercise pressor reflex

Abstract

The exercise pressor reflex is believed to play a role in causing the cardiovascular and ventilatory responses to exercise. This review will discuss the evidence that the reflex is active in both humans and animals. In addition, this review will discuss the nature of the mechanical and metabolic stimuli that evoke the exercise pressor reflex. Particular attention will be paid to the discharge properties of the thin fiber sensory nerves (i. e., group III and IV muscle afferents) whose activation by these mechanical and metabolic stimuli is responsible for evoking the reflex. Finally, some current findings and controversies will be discussed.