A 16-week Program Of Physical Activity And Stress Management Education And Their Effect On Heart Rate Variability

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) describes the time interval between heartbeats and has been shown to be an important aspect of overall health. HRV can be used as an indicator of physiological resiliency and behavior flexibility that reflects the capacity to adapt to stress and environmental demands. HRV is used as a predictor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. PURPOSE: Investigate the effects of physical activity and biometric variables on HRV over the course of a semester-long (16-week) course which was designed around lifestyle education, physical activity (PA), and stress management training. METHODS: 23 subjects (14 males, 9 females) were enrolled in a health and fitness course at a 4-year public university. Students were given a pedometer to track their total steps per day while also participating in physical activities aimed at increasing fitness measures. Education and assignments were given throughout the course on stress management techniques. HRV measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the research study using a pulse plethysmograph ear sensor. RESULTS: A T-Test paired two sample for means was conducted to test for statistical significance. Results indicated that there were statistically significant changes in multiple biometric variables from the pre- to the post-test (p < 0.05), including V02 (ml/kg/min) (41.9 pre- vs. 44.7 post-); resting heart rate (beats per minute) (80.5 pre- vs. 73.9 post-); SDNN (ms) (HRV) (113.4 pre- vs. 132.9 post-); and daily steps (8831 pre- vs. 7503 post-). Height, weight, BMI, and percent body fat did not have statistically significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated positive, healthy results following a 16-week course on stress management education and PA. Although statistically significant improvement was observed in HRV, it cannot be concluded which aspect of the course it is that contributes to the positive results, the physical activity, the stress management education, or a combination of both.