Variability of heart rate in athletes and non athletes

Mendes, J; Pereira, J; Pereira, Telmo

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/32483

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Variability of Heart Rate in Athletes and Non Athletes _ European Journal of Public Health _ Oxford Academic.pdf		272.85 KB	Adobe PDF	Download

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Authors

Mendes, J

Pereira, J

Pereira, Telmo

Abstract(s)

Introduction: Heart rate variability (HRV) consists of measuring the time interval between beats. This describes oscillations in the interval between consecutive heart beats (R-R intervals) that reflect changes in heart rate as a function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic system. Regular practice of physical activity is a factor responsible for the increase in vagal tone due to increased cardiac work, since there is a reduction in the sensitivity of the beta receptors. The HRV analysis can be performed in the time domain and frequency domain. Cardiofrequency meters, electrocardiogram and Holter are the instruments used to obtain their indices, where a high variability corresponds to a good physiological adaptation, while a low variability is an indicator of possible cardiovascular complications. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the R-R intervals obtained during rest for 6 minutes, in supine position, between a group of athletes and a group of non-athletes using the Polar RS800CX heart rate monitor and to analyze heart rate variability in time and frequency domain. Methods: A total of 26 women athletes and non-athletes aged 18 to 33 years underwent electrocardiogram at rest and for 6 minutes while simultaneously using the Polar RS800CX heart rate monitor. Results: Significant differences were observed in some HRV parameters obtained between the group of athletes with the non-sports control group, in the time domain, in the frequency domain no differences were observed. Conclusions: The regular practice of physical activity provides an increase in HRV, indicating that athletes have a lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, unlike sedentary individuals, because in these the risk will be significantly greater.

Keywords

Heart rate variability Physical activity Autonomic nervous system Athletes Variabilidade da frequência cardíaca Exercício físico Sistema nervoso autónomo Atletas