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Exercise training and heart rate variability in older people
A J Schuit1, L G van Amelsvoort, T C Verheij
1Division of Human Nutrition and Epidemiology, Agricultural University Wageningen, The Netherlands. Jantine.Schuit@rivm.nl
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 23, 1999
Summary
Regular physical activity significantly increased heart rate variability (HRV) in older adults, particularly in the low and very low frequency components. This suggests exercise can positively impact cardiac health markers in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) is linked to cardiac events and mortality.
- Older adults often have lower physical activity levels and HRV.
- Physical activity may improve HRV in older individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of regular physical activity on HRV in older men and women.
- To determine if exercise can modify HRV in an aging population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 51 older adults (average age 67.0 years).
- Six months of supervised training, three times per week for 45 minutes.
- Comparison of HRV changes between a training group and a control group.
Main Results:
- HRV increased significantly during daytime in the training group compared to controls.
- Specific HRV components (SDNN, LF, VLF) showed significant increases.
- Training effects were most prominent in previously inactive individuals.
Conclusions:
- Regular physical activity enhances HRV, especially the very low and low frequency components, in older adults.
- Physical training offers a viable strategy to positively influence HRV in the elderly.
- Improved HRV through exercise may reduce the risk of cardiac events in older populations.