Advanced ECG Analysis to Evaluate Multimodal Exercise Effects on Cardiovascular Health

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading global cause of mortality.
• Physical activity (PA) is vital for CVD prevention and overall health.
• Multimodal exercise programs (MEP) induce unique cardiac adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cardiac adaptations following a 6-week MEP in physically inactive males.
• To compare physiological cardiac changes between an intervention group (IG) and a sedentary control group (CG).
• To analyze ECG and blood pressure dynamics using algebraic co-integration methods.

Main Methods:

• 50 inactive males (20-35 years) participated in a 6-week MEP (IG, n=28) or served as controls (CG, n=22).
• MEP included balance, endurance, strength, and flexibility exercises.
• Cardiovascular system (CVS) assessed via ECG and blood pressure during incremental cycle ergometry pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed improved heart rate recovery post-exercise.
• Systolic blood pressure recovery and dynamic ECG parameters (DskJT-QRS) significantly improved in the MEP group.
• Both groups exhibited positive cardiovascular adaptations, with MEP showing more pronounced changes.

Conclusions:

• A 6-week MEP demonstrates beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
• Algebraic co-integration analysis of ECG parameters is a sensitive method for assessing exercise impact.
• MEP interventions can positively influence cardiovascular health markers.