Heart Rate Variability in Tennis Players

Introduction Some studies suggest that playing tennis brings benefits for the anthropometric and metabolic profile of those who practice it, reducing the risk of mortality more significantly than other sports. In addition, changes in cardiovascular autonomic regulation have been highlighted as a common factor in the development of cardiometabolic disorders. Objective To evaluate and compare hemodynamic parameters and cardiovascular autonomic modulation among former tennis players who still play the sport (ET), adults who play recreational tennis (TR), and adults classified as sedentary (S). Methods Thirty-four men aged between 23 and 45 years participated in the study. They were divided into 3 groups: ET, TR and S. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were evaluated and the R-R interval was recorded to quantify the cardiac autonomic modulation at rest. Results Similar values were observed between groups for blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass index. The amount of moderate and vigorous physical activities of the ET group was higher than that of the TR group. The ET presented resting bradycardia associated with increased pulse interval (PI) variance and high-frequency PI, and a reduction in low-frequency PI compared to the other groups studied. Reduced cardiac sympathovagal balance was observed in the ET group (1.7 ± 0.1) and TR group (2.5 ± 0.2) compared to the S group (3.2 ± 0.2); however, this change was exacerbated in the ET group compared to the TR group. Conclusion The results suggest that playing tennis induces beneficial changes in cardiac autonomic modulation that appear to be intensified as the volume of physical activity increases, suggesting that this practice is beneficial in the management of cardiovascular risk. Level of Evidence II; Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test.