November 8, 2012Journal of Applied Physiology
Cardiac baroreflex function and dynamic cerebral autoregulation in elderly Masters athletes
Key result
Lifelong aerobic exercise in older adults increased cardiac baroreflex gain compared to sedentary controls (7.69 vs 3.18 ms/mmHg; P=0.018) without altering dynamic cerebral autoregulation.
Why the study?
Does lifelong aerobic exercise training improve cardiac baroreflex function and alter dynamic cerebral autoregulation in older adults compared to a sedentary lifestyle?
Population
23 older adults, comprising 11 Masters athletes and 12 healthy sedentary elderly.
Comparison
Lifelong aerobic exercise training (>15 years) vs Healthy sedentary lifestyle
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
May support preserved baroreflex function with lifelong exercise in older adults; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective trials before practice change.
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=23)
Structured PICO
Does lifelong aerobic exercise training improve cardiac baroreflex function and alter dynamic cerebral autoregulation in older adults compared to a sedentary lifestyle?
P
Population
23 older adults (11 Masters athletes with >15 years aerobic training and 12 healthy sedentary individuals) evaluated for cardiac baroreflex function and dynamic cerebral autoregulation.
E
Exposure
Lifelong aerobic exercise training (>15 years)
C
Comparator
Healthy sedentary lifestyle
O
Outcome
Cardiac baroreflex gain (assessed using transfer function analysis of spontaneous changes in systolic BP and R-R interval) and dynamic cerebral autoregulation (assessed during sit-stand-induced changes in mean BP and CBFV)surrogate
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 7.69% vs 3.18%
p-value: p=0.018
Lifelong aerobic exercise in older adults significantly improves cardiac baroreflex function without compromising the dynamic regulation of cerebral blood flow.
Cite This Study
Aengevaeren et al. (2012) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy aging (n=23). Lifelong aerobic exercise vs. Sedentary lifestyle was evaluated on Cardiac baroreflex gain (p=0.018). Lifelong aerobic exercise in older adults increased cardiac baroreflex gain compared to sedentary controls (7.69 vs 3.18 ms/mmHg; P=0.018) without altering dynamic cerebral autoregulation.