Advanced ECG Analysis to Evaluate Multimodal Exercise Effects on Cardiovascular Health

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the primary causes of death throughout the world. Engaging in physical activity (PA) is crucial for the prevention of CVD, as a lack of exercise significantly impacts global health. For health promotion purposes, it is important to optimize PA and develop the main physical components. Multimodal exercise program (MEP) interventions cause unique cardiac changes that can be systematically analyzed using advanced ECG techniques. Using algebraic co-integration methods, this study examined the physiological cardiac adaptations of a 6-week MEP compared to sedentary control subjects. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 physically inactive males, aged 20-35 years, were recruited for a 6-week MEP. The intervention group (IG) consisted of 28 participants, while the control group (CG) included 22 participants. The MEP included balance, endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility exercises in one session. The cardiovascular system (CVS) was assessed using electrocardiography (ECG) and arterial blood pressure during an incremental cycle ergometer test, both before and after the 6-week period. Results: After the post-MEP, the IG's resting HR showed a slight but insignificant decrease, from 84.5 to 82 bpm, with improved recovery rates at minute 1 (113.1-104.7 bpm). The CG showed a similar trend. pBP in IG significantly increased post-MEP during recovery at minute 1 (73-81) and minute 2 (65-72), where the CG showed a slight but significant difference. DskJT-QRS in IG post-MEP increased significantly during recovery in minutes 1-4, with all values showing p < 0.05. CG showed significance only at minute 3. Conclusions: Both the 6-week MEP and control had a positive impact on the CVS. The statement refers to changes in dynamic interactions between ECG parameters registered during the incremental exercise test and especially during the recovery after workload. Algebraic data co-integration analysis of ECG parameters demonstrated a sensitive assessment of the influence of exercising on the cardiovascular system.