Cardiac baroreflex function and dynamic cerebral autoregulation in elderly Masters athletes

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Exercise Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is maintained by blood pressure (BP) regulation and cerebral autoregulation (CA).
• Aerobic exercise may improve BP regulation via cardiac baroreflex function but potentially impair CA.
• The effects of lifelong exercise on these systems in older adults require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of lifelong exercise on cardiac baroreflex function and dynamic CA in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Compared Masters athletes (MA) with healthy sedentary elderly (SE) individuals.
• Measured BP, CBF velocity (CBFV), and heart rate during rest and sit-stand maneuvers.
• Assessed cardiac baroreflex gain using transfer function analysis and dynamic CA during BP variability challenges.

Main Results:

• Masters athletes exhibited significantly higher cardiac baroreflex gain than sedentary individuals (P=0.018).
• Dynamic cerebral autoregulation was similar between Masters athletes and sedentary elderly groups (P=0.792).

Conclusions:

• Lifelong aerobic exercise training enhances cardiac baroreflex function in older adults.
• This training does not compromise dynamic cerebral autoregulation, suggesting benefits for BP regulation without risks to CBF.
• Exercise interventions can improve cardiovascular health in aging populations without impairing cerebrovascular function.