Influence of blood lactate variations and passive exercise on cardiac responses

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate cardiovascular responses, including heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV), to various hyperlactatemia-passive exercise interactions. [Participants and Methods] Nine healthy male participants performed upper limb passive cycling movement, and their HR and HRV were assessed while their blood lactate levels were manipulated by sustained handgrip exercise at control, 15% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and 30% MVC, followed by postexercise circulatory occlusion. [Results] HR and root mean squared standard difference (rMSSD) of HRV response remained constant at all blood lactate levels during passive exercise (HR: control, 75.8 ± 3.4 bpm; 15% MVC, 76.9 ± 2.7 bpm; and 30% MVC, 77.0 ± 3.7 bpm; rMSSD: control, 33.2 ± 6.9 ms; 15% MVC, 36.3 ± 7.3 ms; and 30% MVC, 37.3 ± 8.9 ms). [Conclusion] Manipulating metaboreflex activation did not significantly alter HR or HRV during passive exercise. These results suggest that, in healthy participants, the interactions between mechanical and metabolic stimuli do not affect HR and HRV responses, implying that passive exercise may be safely implemented.