Autonomic nerve activity can be assessed using simple bed side tests such as cough and maximum hand grip (MHG). The alterations in these tests are, however, poorly documented in physiological states. The present study aimed to uncover the effect of nutritional status and age on these tests. 93 male adults were divided into normal body mass index (BMI) (BMI; 18.5 to 25 kg/m2; young 18-30 yrs, n=28; old >60 yrs, n=25) and low BMI (BMI; <18.5 kg/m2; young 18-30 yrs, n=19; old >60 yrs, n=14) groups. The younger subjects showed a significantly higher heart rate response to cough and MHG in both normal and low BMI groups as compared to the older subjects (P<0.01). However, there were no significant differences for the heart rate responses to cough and MHG between the low and normal BMI groups either in the young or in the elderly. The data suggest that while the heart rate response to cough and MHG are useful tests of vagal activity to the heart when expected differences are large, they may be of limited use in uncovering more subtle changes.