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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-01-2018 | Original Article

Recovery of the cardiac autonomic nervous and vascular system after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing in recreational athletes

Authors: Heidi Weberruss, Johannes Maucher, Renate Oberhoffer, Jan Müller

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Objective

The body’s adaptation to physical exercise is modulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic (vagal) branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Heart rate variability (HRV), the beat-to-beat variation of the heart, is a proxy measure for ANS activity, whereas blood pressure (BP) is an indicator for cardiovascular function. Impaired vagal activity and lower BP is already described after exercise. However, inconsistent results exist about how long vagal recovery takes and how long post-exercise hypotension persists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess HRV and BP 1 h after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

Patients and methods

HRV (Polar RS800CX), peripheral and central BP (Mobil-O-Graph^®) were prospectively studied in 107 healthy volunteers (47 female, median age 29.0 years) in supine position, before and 60 min after maximal CPET.

Results

One hour after terminating CPET measures of HRV were still impaired and post-exercise BP was significantly reduced suggesting an improved vascular function compared to pre levels. HRV parameters post-exercise were 34.7% (RMSSD), 67.2% (pNN50), 57.2% (HF), and 42.7% (LF) lower compared to pre-exercise levels (for all p < 0.001). Median reduction in BP was 5 mmHg for systolic BP (p < 0.001), and 4 mmHg for diastolic BP (p = 0.016) and central systolic post-exercise (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

One hour after terminating strenuous exercise, autonomic nervous regulation seems to be postponed which is reflected in reduced HRV, whereas the early recovery of the vasculature, post-exercise hypotension, is still preserved over the recovery period of 1 h.

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Title: Recovery of the cardiac autonomic nervous and vascular system after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing in recreational athletes
Authors: Heidi Weberruss
Johannes Maucher
Renate Oberhoffer
Jan Müller
Publication date: 01-01-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3762-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Recovery of the cardiac autonomic nervous and vascular system after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing in recreational athletes

Abstract

Objective

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

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