Exercise and the autonomic nervous system: from acute responses to recovery and adaptation

Junga Lee

doi:10.12965/jer.2653128.564

October 27, 2026Journal of Exercise RehabilitationOpen Access

Exercise and the autonomic nervous system: from acute responses to recovery and adaptation

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Key Points

To review the neural and cardiovascular mechanisms governing acute hemodynamic adjustments to physical exertion, post-exercise recovery transitions, and long-term autonomic adaptations to endurance exercise training.
Editorial commentary synthesizing physiological literature on autonomic cardiovascular regulation.
Evaluation of neural inputs including central command, the exercise pressor reflex, and the arterial baroreflex during physical exertion.
Comparison between hemodynamic effects of active cool-downs and post-exercise relaxation techniques such as slow breathing.
Immediate heart rate increases at exercise onset stem from cardiac parasympathetic withdrawal, while rising exercise intensity recruits sympathetic drive to enhance myocardial contractility and direct blood flow to contracting skeletal muscle.
Cardiovascular recovery requires coordinated stabilization, where active cool-downs maintain venous return against persistent peripheral vasodilation to avoid transient hypotension, distinct from relaxation techniques that influence respiratory fluctuations.
Endurance exercise training expands stroke volume and alters reflex regulation, allowing maintenance of cardiac output at lower resting heart rates through combined structural and autonomic adaptations.

Structured PICO

I

Intervention

Exercise, active cool-down (such as low-intensity walking), relaxation techniques (slow breathing, progressive muscle relaxation), and endurance training

Implication

This editorial explains the physiological interactions between exercise and the autonomic nervous system across acute exercise, post-exercise recovery (distinguishing active cool-down from relaxation techniques), and chronic training adaptation.

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Cite This Study

Junga Lee (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6ae215746deabab0889e2cb6 https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.2653128.564

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Exercise and the autonomic nervous system: from acute responses to recovery and adaptation

Key Points

Structured PICO

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Exercise and the autonomic nervous system: from acute responses to recovery and adaptation

Key Points

Structured PICO

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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