What impact on the heart occurs while exercising in a supine or prone position?
a. stroke volume is greater and cardiac output is greater
b. stoke volume is lower and cardiac output is greater
c. stroke volume is lower and cardiac output remains the same
d. stroke volume is greater and cardiac output remains the same.
Answer: d. stroke volume is greater and cardiac output remains the same
While exercising in a supine or prone position, stroke volume is greater and cardiac output remains the same. Cardiac output is not affected by posture and therefore, the heart rate in this position may be deceptively lower than expected if compared to a similar intensity exercise in an upright posture.