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The aging cardiovascular system: changes in autonomic function at rest and in response to exercise
D R Seals1, K D Monahan, C Bell
1Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309, USA.
Summary
Regular aerobic exercise preserves autonomic nervous system function in aging. Endurance training maintains cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and sympathetic nervous system support for resting metabolic rate in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Autonomic nervous system function
- Exercise science
Background:
- Aging is associated with declines in vagal modulation of heart rate and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity.
- Aging also impacts sympathetic nervous system (SNS) support of resting metabolic rate (RMR).
- Habitual aerobic exercise may mitigate these age-related autonomic nervous system impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of regular aerobic exercise on age-associated changes in autonomic nervous system function.
- To compare cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and SNS support of RMR in exercising versus sedentary older adults.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional comparison of habitually exercising and sedentary middle-aged and older adults.
- Intervention study involving a 3-month moderate aerobic exercise program in previously sedentary adults.
Main Results:
- Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity declines less with age in exercising adults compared to sedentary adults.
- Aerobic exercise training increased cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity by 25% in previously sedentary individuals.
- SNS beta-adrenergic support of RMR is maintained with age in endurance-trained adults but declines in sedentary individuals.
Conclusions:
- Regular aerobic exercise plays a crucial role in modulating age-related declines in autonomic nervous system function.
- Endurance exercise preserves cardiovagal function and sympathetic nervous system support for metabolism, highlighting its benefits for healthy aging.
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