Assessment of Cardiac Autonomic Function by Short-Term Sensor-Based and Long-Term Heart Rate Variability Analyses in...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neuroscience
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Cardiac autonomic neuropathy is a common complication in individuals with tetraplegia.
• Limited research exists on the effects of specific exercise programs on cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) function in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute and chronic effects of a 6-month table tennis program on cardiac ANS and functional capacity in individuals with tetraplegia (C6-C7).

Main Methods:

• Twenty males with tetraplegia were randomized into a 6-month table tennis training group (Group A) or an untrained control group (Group B).
• Eleven healthy sedentary males served as controls (Group C).
• Evaluations included 24-hour ambulatory ECG for heart rate variability (HRV) indices and maximal upper limb ergometry and dynamometry at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Group A showed significant improvements in 24-hour HRV parameters, including SDNN (13.9%), SDANN (8.4%), VLF (7.1%), and LF (10.5%), nearing levels of healthy controls.
• Maximal exercise time in upper limbs increased by 80.4% and maximal hand strength by 27.8% in Group A.
• Maximal exercise time was positively correlated with SDNN and LF indices post-training.

Conclusions:

• A 6-month table tennis training program is effective in improving cardiac ANS activity and functional capacity in individuals with tetraplegia.
• The program enhances sympathovagal balance, as indicated by HRV improvements.
• Table tennis offers a viable exercise modality for improving cardiovascular health and physical function in this population.