The effect of training on exercise-induced R-wave amplitude changes in young females

The effects of an exercise training program on R-wave amplitude (Ramp) changes during graded exercise were investigated in 14 adolescent females. The experimental group (EG) (N = 6) underwent a 20-wk aerobic exercise program. Eight subjects served as controls (CG). Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), and Ramp were determined during incremental exercise to exhaustion, pre- and post-program. The Ramp was calculated by using the average of 10 electrocardiographic complexes to provide a stable criterion. Pre-training, EG and CG were not significantly different for VO2max and HRmax; Ramp decreased significantly between rest and 5 min prior to exhaustion for both groups (P less than 0.05). Ramp changes were significant between the first min of exercise and 2 min prior to exhaustion for EG (P less than 0.05) and between the first min of exercise and 1 min prior to exhaustion for CG (P less than 0.05). These changes occurred at 87% of VO2max and 95% of HRmax for EG and at 93% of VO2max and 97% of HRmax for CG. CG showed no change in these variables post-program except for Ramp exhibiting a significant change between rest and the first min of exercise (P less than 0.05). EG showed a significant increase in VO2max (P less than 0.05), and Ramp changes during exercise were delayed. The first significant change occurred between rest and 3 min prior to exhaustion (P less than 0.05), and the second change occurred between the first min of exercise and exhaustion (P less than 0.05). Thus the latter Ramp change was delayed to 100% of VO2max and HRmax post-training.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)