We attempted to estimate 1) the changes in hepatic portal venous flow in healthy males (n=5) at different exercise intensities by using an ultrasonic Doppler method, and 2) the effect of the supine position on hepatic portal venous flow during and after exercise. Portal venous flows in both the upright and supine positions were significantly reduced at 60% (P< 0.05) and 80% (P< 0.01) Vo₂max intensity of exercise as compared with the resting level. A high negative correlation between portal venous flow as the percentage of the resting value (100%) and oxygen consumption as the percentage of Vo₂max was observed.
　Fifteen min after exercise at 80% Vo₂max, portal venous flow did not completely return to the resting level with subjects in the upright position (P<0.05). However, in the supine position portal venous flow did return to the resting level 0.05). These results indicate that hepatic portal venous flow as measured by the ultrasonic Doppler method was dependent on exercise intensity. We consider that the supine position could be an effective posture against a fall in portal venous flow, especially after high intensity exercise.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.15/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE