Respiratory sinus arrhythmia alteration following training in endurance athletes.
Significant increases in maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) were noted in nine young track athletes following an 8-week high-intensity running period (P less than 0.05). VO2max was measured, prior to and following the training program, using an on-line, open-circuit spirometry system. Parasympathetic activity was assessed using heart period variation (R-R interval in milliseconds) during carefully controlled breathing activity (R sinus arrhythmia). Following the training program, a 7.3% increase in aerobic capacity was associated with a 23.1% augmentation of efferent parasympathetic activity (P less than 0.01). These data suggest that enhanced aerobic capacity increases efferent parasympathetic tone.
De Meersman
R E
RE
Applied Physiology Laboratory, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001146:Arrhythmia, Sinus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*