THE EFFECT OF POSTURE UPON PERIPHERAL CIRCULATION

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Abstract
A passive change of body posture on a tilting table from the horizontal to a feet-down position (45[degree] from horizontal*) produces a peripheral vasoconstriction in subjects not adapted to warm environments. The degree of vasoconstriction increases with progressively warmer environments and higher angles of tilting. Higher angles of tilting or very hot environments are associated with a tendency to collapse. A rise of internal body temp., roughly proportional to the degree of vasoconstriction, occurs in the vertical position and may be functionally associated with the stimulus to increased evaporation. The disturbance of the heat regulatory function due to Vasoconstriction in the tilted position is, to a certain degree, compensated by an increase in evaporation. Except under very severe conditions, toe temps, change in an opposite direction in general skin temps., possibly involving a protective mechanism against local chilling.