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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Quantifying Infra-slow Dynamics of Spectral Power and Heart Rate in Sleeping Mice
Published on: August 2, 2017
The heart rate response to exercise is blunted in patients with sleep-related breathing disorder
Ludger Grote1, Jan Hedner, Jörg Hermann Peter
1Sleep Disorders Center, Pulmonary Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. ludger.grote@lungall.gu.se
Background:
This study addressed the hypothesis that cardiovascular reactivity during graded bicycle exercise is influenced by a coexisting sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD).
Methods:
Blood pressure and heart rate were assessed at rest and during graded exercise (110 W and maximal load) in 1,149 patients of a Sleep Disorders Center. The degree of SRBD, and potential confounders, including blood gases and pulmonary function, were determined.
Results:
Maximal exercise capacity tended to decrease with SRBD activity (p = 0.07). The heart rate reactivity was blunted and reduced by -0.07 and -0.09 beats/min for every SRBD unit at 110 W (p < 0.001) and at maximal load (p < 0.001), respectively. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure reactivity at maximal load were positively associated with SRBD severity. These associations were independent of possible confounders.
Conclusion:
SRBD is associated with reduced physical working capacity and a modified hemodynamic response to exercise.
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