This study examined cardiovascular effects of energy resource
depletion. Participants first made a series of easy or difficult
grips with their right or left hand. They then made and held
a moderately difficult dynamometer grip with their right hand
while measures of blood pressure and heart rate were taken.
As expected, systolic blood pressure responses during the second
task period were greater when the first task was difficult than
when it was easy if the first task was performed with the right
hand, but not if the first task was performed with the left
hand. The data support the view that ability perception and,
thus, cardiovascular responsiveness vary with relevant energy
stores.