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Exercise and aging: autonomic control of the circulation
D R Seals1, J A Taylor, A V Ng
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Aging reduces heart rate response and cardiac output during exercise, lowering exercise capacity. Aerobic training can improve cardiovascular function in older adults, but basal sympathetic nerve activity may persist.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Aging Research
Background:
- Autonomic nervous system regulation of circulation changes with age.
- Exercise capacity declines with aging, but underlying mechanisms require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-related alterations in autonomic control of circulation during exercise.
- To examine the impact of these changes on exercise capacity and the effects of aerobic training.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on autonomic function, cardiovascular responses, and exercise capacity in aging humans.
- Analysis of studies investigating heart rate, cardiac output, and sympathetic nerve activity during rest and exercise.
Main Results:
- Aging decreases heart rate increase and left ventricular contractile response during exercise due to reduced vagal withdrawal and beta-adrenergic responsiveness.
- Elevated resting sympathetic activity and augmented vasoconstriction in non-active muscle occur with aging, but norepinephrine levels do not increase further during prolonged exercise.
- Reduced peak heart rate and cardiac output with aging limit maximal oxygen consumption and exercise capacity, though submaximal performance is maintained.
Conclusions:
- Age-related autonomic changes impair maximal exercise capacity by limiting cardiac output.
- Aerobic exercise training can enhance cardiovascular function and left ventricular performance in older adults, but may not alter basal sympathetic nerve activity.