The effect of anaerobic and aerobic tests on autonomic nervous system activity in healthy young athletes

INTRODUCTION. In the evaluation of physical efficiency in professional athletes two tests are used: Wingate test (WT) and incremental test for maximal oxygen uptake (IT). In the former anaerobic power is evaluated and in the latter aerobic power. The influence of these tests on autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity is not fully examined. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of anaerobic and aerobic tests performed on the consecutive days, on the ANS activity in young healthy athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ten athletes aged 17 ± 1 were included in the study. The ANS parameters (baroreflex sensitivity – BRS_WBA, heart rate variability–HRV) were analysed on the basis of 10-minute systolic arterial pressure and heart period (HP) records during controlled breathing (0.23 Hz). BRS_WBA, HRV indices and mean HP were analysed before (examination 1) and 1 hour after WT (examination 2), 1 hour after IT (examination 3), and on the day after the tests (examination 4). RESULTS. The borderline statistically significant decrease in BRS_WBA in examination 2 in comparison to 1 was found (16.4 ± 10.5 vs 9.4 ± 3.9 ms/mmHg, p=0.059). In examination 3 in comparison to 1 the significant decrease in BRS_WBA was found (8.8 ± 6.2 ms/mmHg, p<0.05). SDNN, PNN50, RMSSD and HF were significantly lower in examination 2 comparing to 1 (p<0.05); the changes of HFnu were borderline statistically significant (p=0.059). These lower values were also noticed after examination 3 and returned to the initial values in examination 4. The mean HP showed similar changes. LF/HF increased significantly in examination 2 in comparison to 1 (p<0.05). The changes in LFnu were borderline statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS. Anaerobic and aerobic exercise tests lead to the decrease in ANS parasympathetic activity and to the increase in sympathetic one in young healthy athletes. These changes persist for at least one hour after exertion. The return to the initial values is observed the following day after the tests.