There exists no examination of what is the minimum anti-hypertensive threshold intensity for isometric exercise training. Twenty two normotensive participants were randomly assigned to training intensities at either 5 % or 10 % of their maximal contraction. Twenty participants completed the study. Clinical meaningful, but not statistically significant, reductions in systolic blood pressure were observed in both 5 % and 10 % groups –4.04 mm Hg (95 % CI –8.67 to +0.59, p=0.08) and –5.62 mm Hg (95 % CI –11.5 to +0.29, p=0.06) respectively after 6 weeks training. No diastolic blood pressure reductions were observed in either 5 % –0.97 mm Hg (95 % CI –2.56 to +0.62, p=0.20) or 10 % MVC +1.8 mm Hg (95 % CI –1.29 to +4.89, p=0.22) groups respectively after training. In those unable to complete isometric exercise at the traditional 30 % intensity, our results suggest there is no difference between 5 and 10 % groups and based on the principle of regression to the mean, this could mean both interventions induce a similar placebo-effect.
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent used to prevent traumatic exsanguination. It was first introduced to clinical practice for the management of patients with bleeding disorders, especially adapted to reduce bleeding in hemophiliacs undergoing oral surgical interventions. TXA exerts its action on the coagulation process by competitively inhibiting plasminogen activation, thereby reducing conversion of plasminogen into plasmin. This ultimately prevents fibrinolysis and reduces hemorrhage. Thus, TXA may be well suited for the management of traumatic hemorrhage in the prehospital setting.
Despite multiplicity of studies on the use of TXA in clinical practice, there is no consensus regarding the use of TXA for the management of hemorrhage in trauma patients in the prehospital environment. Thus, a review on this topic was warranted. An extensive literature search yielded 14 full journal articles which met the inclusion criteria. These articles were thoroughly analyzed and the following themes were identified: “dose of TXA administration,” “route of TXA administration,” “optimal window of TXA administration,” “safety of TXA use,” “clinical effectiveness of TXA application,” and the “feasibility of TXA use in the prehospital setting.”
Overall, to achieve the best possible outcomes, the literature supports the use of a loading dose of 1 g of TXA, followed by 1 g infusion over 8 h, given by intravenous administration within a 3-h window period of traumatic injury. TXA is very effective and safe to use in the prehospital setting, and its use is clinically and economically feasible.
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