Hemodynamic and autonomic responses during psychological and physiological stressors in African American males prior to and following an aerobic training program

Abstract

We compared the patterning of autonomic and blood pressure (BP) response to psychologic and physiologic stressors prior to and after an 8‐week aerobic training program. METHODS: 16 African American males underwent training and were compared to 16 controls matched for family history of hypertension, race, gender, body mass index, age and VO2. Heart rate (HR), brachial systolic BP and radial beat‐to‐beat BP were recorded during seated rest, cold pressor test, deep breathing and color‐conflict stressor. Spectral analyses of HR and SBP were used to derive baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and parasympathetic (HFRR[nu]) and sympathetic vasomotor modulation (LFSBP[nu]). RESULTS: Trained individuals showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in BRS as measured by alpha index (msec/mmHg): 8(3) vs 14(3), rest; 9(7) vs 16(4), cold pressor; 13(7) vs 18(9), deep breathing; 8(4) vs 13(7), color conflict. HFRR[nu], LFSBP[nu] and arterial compliance also showed improvements. No significant changes were seen in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate aerobic training improved autonomic and blood pressure profiles at rest and during stressors in a population at high risk for cardiovascular events. Support: VIDDA foundation.