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Autonomic nervous function at rest in aerobically trained and untrained older men
S H Boutcher1, Y Cotton, Y Nurhayati
1University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
Clinical Physiology (Oxford, England)
|April 14, 2009
Summary
Regular aerobic exercise in older men is linked to improved heart rate variability (HRV) and better aerobic fitness. This suggests that physical activity enhances vagal influence on the heart, even in advanced age.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Gerontology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Aging is associated with declines in cardiovascular function and autonomic nervous system regulation.
- Aerobic training is known to improve cardiovascular health, but its specific effects on vagal tone in older adults require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between aerobic training, vagal influence on the heart, and aging in older men.
- To assess differences in aerobic fitness and resting heart rate variability between trained and untrained older men.
Main Methods:
- 11 trained older men (cyclists/runners) and 11 age-matched untrained men participated.
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was measured to assess aerobic fitness.
- Resting heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using time series analysis (HRV(ts)) during paced breathing (7.5 breaths/min).
Main Results:
- Trained older men exhibited significantly higher VO2max compared to untrained controls.
- Trained men had significantly lower resting heart rates.
- Higher high-frequency HRV(ts) was observed in trained older men, indicating greater vagal modulation.
Conclusions:
- Regular aerobic exercise in older men is associated with enhanced aerobic capacity and improved autonomic cardiovascular regulation.
- Aerobic training appears to preserve or improve vagal influence on the heart in aging.
- These findings highlight the benefits of endurance exercise for cardiovascular health in older populations.
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