Vigorous exercise training resulted in similar heart rate variability responses compared to moderate training from rest through maximal exercise and recovery in postmenopausal women.
Observational (n=36)
No
Does vigorous exercise training compared to moderate exercise training improve heart rate variability recovery after maximal exercise in postmenopausal women?
Both moderate and vigorous exercise training are associated with rapid restoration of heart rate variability following maximal exercise in postmenopausal women, suggesting cardioprotective benefits of an active lifestyle regardless of intensity.
p-value: p=>0.05
Increased parasympathetic tone achieved with endurance training may provide cardioprotection after menopause. To compare heart rate variability (HRV) from rest through maximal exercise and recovery in trained postmenopausal women. Thirty-six postmenopausal women who self-reported training at either moderate (MOD; 3-5.9 METS; 58.9+/-4.4 year) or vigorous (VIG; >6 METS; 59.7+/-5.2 year) intensities participated. HRV was measured for 5 min in the supine position, in the last minute of the VO2max test and after 2 min of active recovery. HRV in MOD and VIG was compared using a factorial ANOVA with repeated measures on time. MOD and VIG responded similarly over the three time periods for root mean square of sequential deviations (rMSSD), and high (HF) and low frequency (LF) power (p>0.05). Maximal exercise lowered rMSSD (3.3+/-0.08 vs. 1.2+/-0.06) and lnLF (4.1+/-0.05 vs. 3.3+/-0.13) and increased lnHF (3.3+/-0.14 vs. 4.0+/-0.10; p<0.01) from resting. However, active recovery restored lnHF (3.3+/-0.11) and lnLF (4.1+/-0.08) from maximal values (p<0.01). Our findings suggest that moderate and vigorous exercise training may enhance HRV recovery following one bout of maximal exercise in older women.
Orri et al. (2018) conducted an observational in Healthy postmenopausal women (n=36). Vigorous exercise training vs. Moderate exercise training was evaluated on Difference in heart rate variability (rMSSD, HF, LF) between moderate and vigorous training groups over rest, maximal exercise, and recovery (p=>0.05). Vigorous exercise training resulted in similar heart rate variability responses compared to moderate training from rest through maximal exercise and recovery in postmenopausal women.