Abstract
We compared response patterns of cardiovagal modulation through heart-rate
variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) indices at 10 and
60 min after an acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE)
and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in active young and older
adults. Twelve young (aged 20–40 years) and older (aged 57–76
years) healthy and active male adults performed an isocaloric acute bout of
HIIE, MICE, or a non-exercise condition in a randomized order. HRV and BRS
indices were analyzed offline with R-R intervals obtained from a supine
position. HIIE decreased natural logarithm (Ln) standard deviation of NN
intervals (d=−0.53; 95% CI: −0.77 to
−0.30 ms, p<0.001), Ln-root mean square of successive
differences (d=−0.85; 95% CI: −1.09 to
−0.61 ms, p<0.001), Ln-high-frequency power
(d=−1.60; 95% CI: −2.11 to −1.10
ms2; p<0.001), and BRS (d=−6.28;
95% CI: −8.91 to −3.64 ms/mmHg,
p<0.001) after exercise in young and older adults, whereas MICE
did not. Indices returned to baseline after 60 min. We found no evidence
of age-associated response patterns in HRV or BRS to a single bout HIIE or MICE
in active participants. HIIE reduced cardiovagal modulation in active young and
older adults, returning to baseline values 60 min into recovery.
Key words
aging - cardiovagal modulation - baroreflex sensitivity - heart rate variability -
aerobic acute exercise - exercise intensity