Effects of Physical Loads in Supine Position on Intraocular Pressure

Abstract

The subjects were 19 young powerlifters aged from 18 to 30 years. Strength training, namely, the jerk in the supine position, was performed either breathing in the usual way or holding breath simultaneously with straining. Ophthalmoscopy, laser scanning ophthalmoscopy, and intraocular pressure measurements using a pneumatic tonometer were conducted before, during, and after training. After jerks, intraocular pressure elevation was observed in all subjects; in three subjects, the ophthalmic tone overpassed normal values. The ophthalmic tone was fitness-dependent and lower in well-trained subjects. Ophthalmoscopy of physically unfit subjects showed an increase in retinal vein diameters, disappearance of spontaneous venous pulsation in the optic disk in four subjects, and exaggerated hyperemia of the optic papilla. The incentive for the investigation was documented unfavorable changes in the human visual organ in long-duration space missions.