Physiological effects of hand grip and cold pressor tests in young Saudi adults

The risk of cardiovascular disease differs among various ethnic groups, highlighting disparities in cardiovascular health among different populations. While multiple studies from other countries have looked at changes in physiological parameters during autonomic function tests like isometric handgrip and cold pressor tests, no correlational research has been done in Saudi Arabia. This lacuna underscores the importance of examining the relationship between cardiorespiratory parameters in young Saudi Arabian individuals during these tests. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the isometric handgrip and cold pressor tests and physiological parameters in healthy young Saudi Arabian college students. A single-arm interventional study was conducted with a cohort of 65 healthy young adult Saudi college students, including male and female participants. A point estimate was calculated with a 95% confidence level. Physiological parameters were analyzed and compared at rest and during isometric handgrip and cold pressor tests. The study involved participants with an average age of 21.12 ± 1.02, predominantly male students. A significant impact was observed only in respiratory rate (<i>P</i> = 0.007) during the isometric handgrip and cold pressor tests. In contrast, blood pressure parameters and arterial oxygen saturation values showed no statistical significance during both tests. This sheds light on their autonomic responses to physiological stressors and contributes to our understanding of cardiovascular health across diverse populations, guiding future interventions for global improvements in cardiorespiratory outcomes.