ASSESSMENT OF CHANGES IN HEART RATE VARIABILITY INDICES OF STUDENTS AFTER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: A COHORT STUDY

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sports Medicine
• Autonomic Nervous System Research

Background:

• COVID-19 infection can lead to long-term cardiovascular complications.
• Autonomic nervous system dysregulation is a potential post-COVID-19 issue.
• Understanding cardiac responses to physical activity in post-COVID-19 individuals is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate heart rate variability (HRV) indicators in students after COVID-19 infection.
• To assess cardiac complications and autonomic nervous system function post-physical activity.
• To identify changes in HRV parameters following exercise in a post-COVID-19 cohort.

Main Methods:

• Explored 11 heart rate variability indicators after a 5-minute physical activity using a bicycle ergometer.
• Utilized electrocardiographic (ECG) recording via variational pulsometry.
• Analyzed ECG data using specialized computer programs ('Cardio reg', 'Cardio prog').

Main Results:

• Heart rhythm regulation indices were significantly elevated in COVID-19 students compared to controls (p<0.05).
• Post-activity, sympathetic tone indicators (Tension Index, VBI, VRI, LF/HF) increased, while cardiointerval variation coefficient decreased.
• ECG revealed cardiac dysfunction and tachycardia after physical activity in the infected group.

Conclusions:

• Short-term physical activity shifted cardiovascular indicators to a 'tense zone' post-COVID-19.
• COVID-19 negatively impacts cardiovascular and nervous system capabilities, affecting exercise response.
• Findings deepen understanding of HRV changes in young adults with post-COVID-19 cardiovascular dysfunction.