ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LEISURE TIME AND COMMUTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN MALE ADOLESCENTS.

Aline Cabral Palmeira,Mauro Virgílio Gomes De Barros,Raphael Mendes Ritti-Dias,Bruno Remígio Cavalcante,Breno Quintella Farah,Antônio Henrique Germano Soares,Diego Giulliano Destro Christofaro

doi:10.1590/1984-0462/;2017;35;3;00007

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: To investigate the association between heart rate variability (HRV) parameters with leisure time and commuting physical activities in adolescent boys. Methods: The sample included 1152 male adolescents aged 14 to 19 years. The variation of consecutive heart beats (RR intervals) was assessed and HRV parameters in time (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50) and frequency domains (LF/HF) were calculated. Leisure time and commuting physical activities were obtained using a questionnaire. A binary logistic regression was performed between HRV parameters and physical activity. Results: Leisure time physical activity was associated with SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, while LF/HF was not associated. These associations were stronger when adolescents were also physically active for more than six months. Commuting physical activity was not associated with any HRV parameter. Boys who practiced commuting physical activity and were also physically active for more than six months presented a lower chance of having low SDNN and RMSSD. Conclusions: Leisure time physical activity was associated with better HRV and these associations were enhanced when adolescents were physically active for more than six months. Commuting physical activity was not associated with HRV parameters; however, it became associated with better HRV when adolescents were physically active in commuting for more than six months.

Highlights

Heart rate variability (HRV), which is defined as the varia‐ tion of consecutive heartbeats, is a marker of cardiac auto‐ nomic modulation function
Studies have shown a positive association between leisure‐time physical activity and better HRV,[5,6,7,8] there are still some gaps
Commuting physical activity was not associated with any HRV parameter

Summary

Introduction

Heart rate variability (HRV), which is defined as the varia‐ tion of consecutive heartbeats, is a marker of cardiac auto‐ nomic modulation function. The autonomic nervous sys‐ tem promotes the interaction of the sympathetic pathways, which increase heart rate, contraction force, and vasocon‐ striction, with the parasympathetic pathways, which have opposite effects.[1] Low HRV is an independent predictor of mortality and incidence of cardiovascular disease in adults.[2] In children and adolescents, low HRV is associated with higher blood pressure levels[3] and abdominal obesity,[4] indicating its potential as a tool to screen cardiovascular risk among young people. An increase in physical activity level has proven to be an effective way to increase HRV parameters in different age groups. Studies have shown a positive association between leisure‐time physical activity and better HRV,[5,6,7,8] there are still some gaps. The association between commuting physical activity (walking or cycling to school), which is a common form of physical activity among adolescents, and HRV parameters is unknown

Methods

Results

Conclusion