Abstract
Parasympathetic function can be assessed by the deep breathing test (DB) as a simple and reproducible cardiovascular reflex. The aim of this study is to use this test to compare the vagal response of a young footballers group to of age-matched untrained normal subjects. Deep breathing test was performed in 2 groups: one of 20 adult young footballers (average age of 19.3 ± 0.6 years), and a second age-matched group of 20 untrained subjects (average age of 19.6 ± 0.6 years). Subjects underwent the DB test after 30 min resting in supine position, and responses were expressed as a percentage of variation of heart rate during the stimulation. Student’s t-test was used to evaluate statistical differences among the two groups for all parameters (vagal response, heart rate, VO2max….) and considering p < 0.05 as a significant difference. The results showed that vagal response to deep breathing test was significantly higher in the young footballers when compared to the untrained controls (72.6% ± 16.2% vs 55.0% ± 12.8%, respectively, p = 0.03). The basal heart rate was significantly lower in footballers than in the controls group (52.1 ± 7.4 bat/min vs 69.8 ± 14.3 bat/min, p < 0.01). The use of the simple test of deep breathing allowed us to demonstrate that adult young footballers have a significantly lower basal HR and higher parasympathetic response in comparison to untrained subjects.
Highlights
The benefit of physical exercise in controlling cardiovascular risk factors is well established [1,2] and cardiologists widely recommend regular exercise to improve cardiovascular health
Deep breathing test was performed in 2 groups: one of 20 adult young footballers, and a second age-matched group of 20 untrained subjects
Beside the already and justifiable cardiovascular screening with electrocardiography to prevent the risk of sudden cardiac death in young competitive athletes [21,22,23], we propose the use of deep breathing test
Summary
The benefit of physical exercise in controlling cardiovascular risk factors is well established [1,2] and cardiologists widely recommend regular exercise to improve cardiovascular health. It appears important to understand the effects of physical exercise on human physicology. Such studies may help elucidate the fascinating but poorly understood phenomenon of sudden cardiac death in some forms of sport. Depressed parasympathetic tone is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death since alterations in the neural control of cardiac function contribute to the risk of sudden death. It appears that high vagal response in sport can be harmful and should be assessed thoroughly
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