Changes In Heart Rate Variability Measures Research Articles

Effect of mandibular advancement splint therapy on cardiac autonomic function in obstructive sleep apnoea.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy on cardiac autonomic function in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Electrocardiograms (ECG) derived from polysomnograms (PSG) of three prospective studies were used to study HRV of patients with OSA before and after MAS treatment. HRV parameters were averaged across the entire ECG signal during N2 sleep using 2-min epochs shifted by 30s. Paired t-tests were used to compare PSG and HRV measures before and after treatment, and the percent change in HRV measures was regressed on the percent change in apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI). In 101 patients with OSA, 72% were Caucasian, 54% men, the mean age was 56±11 years, BMI 29.8±5.3 kg/m2, and treatment duration was 4.0±3.2 months. After MAS therapy, there was a significant reduction in OSA severity (AHI, - 18 ± 16 events per hour, p < 0.001) and trends towards increased low-frequency to high-frequency ratio, low-frequency power, and reduced high-frequency power (LF:HF, - 0.4 ± 1.5, p = 0.01; LF, - 3 ± 16 nu, p = 0.02, HF, 3.5 ± 13.7 nu, p = 0.01). Change in NN intervals correlated with the change in AHI (β(SE) = - 2.21 (0.01), t = - 2.85, p = 0.005). No significant changes were observed in the time-domain HRV markers with MAS treatment. The study findings suggestthat successful MAS treatment correlates with changes in HRV, specifically the lengthening of NN intervals, a marker for improved cardiac autonomic adaptability.

Autonomic function and inflammation in pregnant women participating in a randomized controlled study of Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting

BackgroundPregnancy and childbirth are significant events in many women’s lives, and the prevalence of depressive symptoms increases during this vulnerable period. Apart from well documented cognitive, affective, and somatic symptoms, stress and depression are associated with physiological changes, such as reduced heart-rate variability (HRV) and activation of the inflammatory response system. Mindfulness Based Interventions may potentially have an effect on both HRV, inflammatory biomarkers, and self-assessed mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a Mindfulness Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) intervention on HRV, serum inflammatory marker levels, through an RCT study design with an active control group.MethodsThis study is a sub-study of a larger RCT, where significant intervention effects were found on perinatal depression (PND) and perceived stress. Participants were recruited through eight maternity health clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. In this sub-study, we included altogether 80 women with increased risk for PND, and blood samples and HRV measures were available from 60 of the participants (26 in the intervention and 34 in the control group).ResultsParticipants who received MBCP reported a significantly larger reduction in perceived stress and a significantly larger increase in mindfulness, compared to participants who received the active control treatment. However, in this sub-study, the intervention had no significant effect on PND, inflammatory serum markers or measures of HRV.ConclusionsNo significant differences were found regarding changes in HRV measures and biomarkers of inflammation, larger studies may be needed in the future.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02441595. Registered 12 May 2015 - Retrospectively registered.

P151 Short-term mandibular advancement splint therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea improves parasympathetic modulation

Abstract Introduction Altered autonomic function (specifically, sympathoexcitation and vagal withdrawal) contributes to cardiovascular risk. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with altered autonomic function. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive measure of autonomic function. We aimed to assess whether short-term OSA treatment with mandibular advancement splints (MAS) improves autonomic function measured by HRV. Methods A retrospective analysis of participants in MAS treatment studies (N=105, 56% male, age, 56±1 years; BMI, 30±5 kg/m2) was undertaken. Nocturnal HRV was assessed using electrocardiograms from pre and post-treatment polysomnograms. HRV was calculated across 2-minute epochs over the entire electrocardiogram and divided into each sleep stage (wake, non-rapid eye movement (NREM), and rapid eye movement (REM)). HRV measures reflecting sympathetic (normalised low frequency (LFnu)), parasympathetic (pNN50%, RMSSD (ms), normalised high frequency (HFnu)), total HRV (SDNN (ms) and HTI) and R-R interval were calculated. Changes in HRV measures following treatment were assessed (paired t-test) and compared to AHI change (linear regression, with adjustment for age, sex, BMI). Results Following MAS treatment, HTI increased (14.78±39.99, p=0.008), and LFnu reduced during wake (-0.43±38.18, p=0.03). Linear regression, showed AHI reduction related to increased R-R interval during wake (-0.002, 0.001), p=0.009) [unstandardised β/SE] and REM (-0.002, 0.001) [unstandardised β/SE], p=0.008), and increased pNN50% during wake (-0.24, 0.08), p=0.005) [unstandardised β/SE] suggesting MAS efficacy relates to these improvements. Conclusion We found evidence of reduced sympathetic and increased parasympathetic modulation, following short-term MAS therapy. This suggests MAS therapy has potential to improve cardiac autonomic function and hence reduce cardiovascular risk.

HEART RATE VARIABILITY ON 10-SECOND ECG AND RISK OF ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF COPD: A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF BLOCK COPD

HEART RATE VARIABILITY ON 10-SECOND ECG AND RISK OF ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF COPD: A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF BLOCK COPD

Monitoring the Heart Rate Variability Responses to Training Loads in Competitive Swimmers Using a Smartphone Application and the Banister Impulse-Response Model.

First, to examine whether heart rate variability (HRV) responses can be modeled effectively via the Banister impulse-response model when the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) alone, and in combination with subjective well-being measures, are utilized. Second, to describe seasonal HRV responses and their associations with changes in critical speed (CS) in competitive swimmers. A total of 10 highly trained swimmers collected daily 1-minute HRV recordings, sRPE training load, and subjective well-being scores via a novel smartphone application for 15 weeks. The impulse-response model was used to describe chronic root mean square of the successive differences (rMSSD) responses to training, with sRPE and subjective well-being measures used as systems inputs. Changes in CS were obtained from a 3-minute all-out test completed in weeks 1 and 14. The level of agreement between predicted and actual HRV data was R2 = .66 (.25) when sRPE alone was used. Model fits improved in the range of 4% to 21% when different subjective well-being measures were combined with sRPE, representing trivial-to-moderate improvements. There were no significant differences in weekly group averages of log-transformed (Ln) rMSSD (P = .34) or HRV coefficient of variation of Ln rMSSD (P = .12); however, small-to-large changes (d = 0.21-1.46) were observed in these parameters throughout the season. Large correlations were observed between seasonal changes in HRV measures and CS (changes in averages of Ln rMSSD: r = .51, P = .13; changes in coefficient of variation of Ln rMSSD: r = -.68, P = .03). The impulse-response model and data collected via a novel smartphone application can be used to model HRV responses to swimming training and nontraining-related stressors. Large relationships between seasonal changes in measured HRV parameters and CS provide further evidence for incorporating a HRV-guided training approach.

Reproducibility of 24-h heart rate variability measures in preterm infants born at 28–32 weeks of gestation

AimsTo determine the reproducibility and minimum detectable change (MDC) of heart rate variability (HRV) measures during two sequential 24-h periods, at week 32 of gestation, in preterm infants born between 28 and 32 weeks, hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The second aim is to assess postnatal changes in HRV measures between 32 and 35 weeks. Study design32 preterm infants born between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation were recruited. For each infant 48 h of recordings of RR interval were performed at week 32 and week 35. HRV parameters included time and frequency parameters. ResultsAt week 32, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of all HRV values was statistically significant with high correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.83–0.97). At week 35, a significant increase was noted in the HRV parameters, characterize mainly the sympathetic tone, with over half the infants showing an increase greater than the MDC for these parameters. ConclusionsUsing 24-h recording at week 32 of gestation during NICU routine is reliable, feasible, not costly and may have important implications for an early identification of premature in a state of stress such as sepsis, or as a follow-up measure.

Heart Rate and Cardiovascular Responses to Commercial Flights: Relationships with Physical Fitness.

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of physical fitness on cardiac autonomic control in passengers prior to, during and following commercial flights. Twenty-two, physically active men (36.4 ± 6.4 years) undertook assessments of physical fitness followed by recordings of 24-h heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure (BP) on a Control (no flight) and Experimental (flight) day. Recordings were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures with relationships between variables examined via Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients. Compared to the Control day, 24-h HR was significantly greater (>7%) and HRV measures (5–39%) significantly lower on the Experimental day. During the 1-h flight, HR (24%), and BP (6%) were increased while measures of HRV (26–45%) were reduced. Absolute values of HRV during the Experimental day and relative changes in HRV measures (Control-Experimental) were significantly correlated with measures of aerobic fitness (r = 0.43 to 0.51; −0.53 to −0.52) and body composition (r = −0.63 to −0.43; 0.48–0.61). The current results demonstrated that short-term commercial flying significantly altered cardiovascular function including the reduction of parasympathetic modulations. Further, greater physical fitness and lower body fat composition were associated with greater cardiac autonomic control for passengers during flights. Enhanced physical fitness and leaner body composition may enable passengers to cope better with the cardiovascular stress and high allostatic load associated with air travel for enhanced passenger well-being.

Reduced Room for Cardiac Vagal Modulation to Increase and Cardiac Sympathetic Modulation to Decrease by Resting in Football Players

Background: This study investigated the cardiac autonomic nervous modulation of football (soccer) players at rest, and whether resting can change it further. Methods: The stationary state spectral heart rate variability (HRV) measures at rest and 60 and 90 min after baseline measurement were compared between football players and sedentary controls. The percentages of change in HRV measures 60 and 90 min after baseline measurement were also compared between football players and sedentary controls. Results: Seventeen football players and 17 sedentary normal subjects were recruited in this study. The total power (TP), very low frequency power (VLFP), low frequency power (LFP), high-frequency power (HFP) and normalized high-frequency power (nHFP) of football players at rest were all significantly higher, while both normalized low-frequency power (nLFP) and low-/high-frequency power ratio (LHR) of football players at rest were significantly lower than those of normal controls. Sixty and 90 min after baseline measurement, though the heart rate (HR) was significantly decreased and the standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR), root mean squared successive difference (rMSSD), TP, VLFP, and HFP were all significantly increased in the control group, there were no significant changes in the HRV measures except that the HR was slightly decreased in the football players. Conclusion: The football players have increased vagal modulation and decreased sympathetic modulation at rest as compared to sedentary non-athletes. Although vagal modulation can be increased significantly by resting in the sedentary non-athlete, it cannot be increased significantly in the football players. The football players at rest seem to be already in a relatively relaxed state which cannot be relaxed further by further resting, whereas the nonathletes are not relaxed fully at rest and more rest can lead to further relaxation. The room for cardiac vagal modulation to increase and cardiac sympathetic modulation to decrease by resting is reduced in the football players relative to that of normal subjects.

Heart Rate or Heart Rate Variability? Evidence from Breath Suspension

Studies have assessed changesin autonomic variables in terms of heart rate variability (HRV) during meditation, but their results have been conflicting. Recently, Telles and colleagues’ excellent study 1 compared changes in HRV measures during the first four meditative states—cancalata (random thinking), ekagrata (nonmeditative focusing), dharana (meditative focusing), and dhyana (effortless meditation)— described in traditional yoga texts. Their results revealed that the discrepancy in changes in HRV measures might be due to the different stages. At the end of the Discussion section, the authors mention the ultimate state in yoga, samadhi, which manifests with breath suspension. They did not explore this advancedmeditativestateintheirstudy.Therefore,wewould like to share our results about changes in HRV measures during breath suspension. We collected and compared HRV measures in time and frequency domains, along with heart rate and blood pressure, during random thinking, breath meditation, and the advanced meditative stage with breath suspension in 10 meditative sessions conducted by an experienced meditator. The results (Table 1) show that none of HRV measures of time and frequency domains differed significantly during meditation. In contrast, heart rate and systolic blood pressure reliably decreased as meditation advanced. Because the meditation technique used in this study is close to meditative focusing, the results are concordant with the dharana state described in Telles and colleagues’ study. By using a device to monitor the chest circumstance of the meditator, the current study confirmed that the timing of breath suspension coincided with the subjective experience of breath suspension, complete quiescence, and absence of self-boundary. HRV measures, on the other hand, did not concord with the subjective experience of pure quiescence. Because other authors have argued that HRV is not an index of autonomic control of the circulation, 2 whether HRV can be an ideal index of sympathetic or parasympathetic activities remains questionable. According to the current results, the variations of HRV measures, manifested as the ratio of standard deviation to mean, are much greater than those of heart rate and blood pressure. This has also been shown in previous studies. 1,3,4 According to this view, HRV measures cannot be accurate indexes. The current results suggest that heart rate itself is a better HRV measure for meditation and agree with findings from Mukherjee et al. 5 These authors examined the sensitivity to mental effort and reliability of various HRV measures. Their

Yoga Nidra Relaxation Increases Heart Rate Variability and is Unaffected by a Prior Bout of Hatha Yoga

The measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) is often applied as an index of autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance and, therefore, myocardial stability. Previous studies have suggested that relaxation or mind-body exercise can influence ANS balance positively as measured by HRV but may act via different mechanisms. No studies, to the authors' knowledge, have examined the acute response in HRV to interventions combining relaxation and mind-body exercise. The objective of this study was to compare the acute HRV responses to Yoga Nidra relaxation alone versus Yoga Nidra relaxation preceded by Hatha yoga. This was a randomized counter-balanced trial. The trial was conducted in a university exercise physiology laboratory. Subjects included 20 women and men (29.15±6.98 years of age, with a range of 18-47 years). Participants completed a yoga plus relaxation (YR) session and a relaxation only (R) session. The YR condition produced significant changes from baseline in heart rate (HR; beats per minute [bpm], p<0.001) and indices of HRV: R-R (ms, p<0.001), pNN50 (%, p=0.009), low frequency (LF; %, p=0.008) and high frequency (HF; %, p=0.035). The R condition produced significant changes from baseline in heart rate (bpm, p<0.001) as well as indices of HRV: R-R (ms, p<0.001), HF (ms(2), p=0.004), LF (%, p=0.005), HF (%, p=0.008) and LF:HF ratio (%, p=0.008). There were no significant differences between conditions at baseline nor for the changes from baseline for any of the variables. These changes demonstrate a favorable shift in autonomic balance to the parasympathetic branch of the ANS for both conditions, and that Yoga Nidra relaxation produces favorable changes in measures of HRV whether alone or preceded by a bout of Hatha yoga.

The effect of the use of a mouthpiece and nose clip on heart rate variability

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the potential impact of breathing through a mouthpiece and nose clip assembly, such as the Hans Rudolph system used in exercise testing, on autonomic modulation of heart rate, as assessed by measures of heart rate variability (HRV) during seated rest. Methods: Ten participants (2 M and 8 F, mean age 53.5 ± 2.68 years, BMI 25.80 ± 3.29 kg/m2) sat quietly for 5 min to establish resting conditions, then breathed utilizing the mouthpiece and nose clip (MP1) for 5 min then without for five minutes (NMP1), and repeated this procedure (MP2 and NMP2). ECG was recorded continuously for the duration of the test and HRV measures of SDNN, total power, very low frequency (VLF); high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF), LF and HF normalized values and the LF/HF ratio were later calculated using Chart 5 pro software (Adinstruments). Results: ANOVA results show heart rate averages remained within one beat per minute across conditions, while measures of SDNN, VLF and Total Power were significantly greater in the NMP2 condition than MP1 and MP2; these measures for the NMP1 condition were also greater in magnitude but did not reach significance. LF normalized values were reduced in the MP conditions (MP1 0.566 ± 0.147nu, NMP1 0.708 ± 0.155nu, MP2 0.606 ± 0.129nu and NMP2 0.765 ± 0.120nu), while HF normalized values were significantly greater in the comparison of MP1 to NMP1 (p = 0.017) and approached significance in MP2 and NMP2 (p = 0.054). The LF/HF ratio was significantly greater in both NMP1 and NMP2 than both MP1 and MP2. Conclusion: the MP condition resulted in changes in measures of HRV. These changes may be the result of alterations in breathing induced by use of the MP and/or alterations in autonomic modulation of heart rate between the two conditions. This may be of relevance in studies using HRV in exercise testing.

The effect of ice water ingestion on autonomic modulation in healthy subjects

Drinking ice water is a common daily activity. The safety of ice water ingestion has been questioned due to its possible deleterious effect on heart rate or cardiac rhythm, especially in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Thus, we investigated the heart rate variability (HRV) before and after ice water ingestion in normal subjects to delineate the possible effect of ice water ingestion on autonomic nervous modulation. Subjects were volunteers who came to the hospital to receive routine health examination. They were randomly assigned to drinking 250ml of ice water or room temperature water. Twenty-eight subjects in the room temperature water ingestion group and 25 subjects in the ice water ingestion group were studied. The relationships between the change in HRV measures before and after water ingestion and clinical parameters were assessed by correlation analysis. After ice water ingestion, the percentage change in mean RR intervals (RRIs) (4±4 vs. -1±4, P<0.001), standard deviation of RRIs (19±35 vs. 0±21, P=0.018), high-frequency power (64±90 vs. -3±41, P<0.001), and normalized high-frequency power (39±99 vs. -5±31, P=0.038) were higher, while the percentage change in low-/high-frequency power ratio (3±92 vs. 44±97, P=0.017) was lower, when compared with those after the room temperature water ingestion. Ice water ingestion can decrease heart rate through temperature stimulus-mediated vagal enhancement in healthy subjects.

Acute Effects of Ephedra on Autonomic Nervous Modulation in Healthy Young Adults

The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of ephedra on autonomic nervous modulation by means of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. On three separate days, 20 healthy subjects took capsules containing either 1 or 2 g of ephedra dry extract or a placebo, and the sequential percentage changes in HRV measures were compared. After the subjects took ephedra, the normalized low-frequency component (LF) and the ratio of LF to high-frequency component (HF) increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the normalized HF (HF%) decreased significantly. We conclude that ingestion of ephedra tilts the sympathovagal balance dose-dependently toward increased sympathetic activity and impairs parasympathetic activity.

The effect on heart rate variability of acclimatization to a humid, hot environment after a transition across five time zones in elite junior rowers

The aim of this study was to examine the simultaneous effect on heart rate variability (HRV) of acclimatization to a hot, humid environment and a transition of five time zones in elite junior rowers. Thirteen rowers (12 males and 1 female) participated in the study. Each rower was monitored during training camps in temperate and in humid, hot conditions before and during the Junior Rowing World Championship. All participants recorded the lengths of high-intensity training sessions, and R-R (the time between the R peaks of consecutive QRS complexes) intervals were measured every morning after awakening. Compared with baseline values taken during training before the transition to the new time zone and climate, HRV indices during first 3 days of acclimatization remained unchanged. On the fourth and fifth days of acclimatization, significant decreases in measures of heart rate variability in the standing position were observed. Beginning from the sixth day of acclimatization and for all subsequent days, the HRV indices, while standing, returned to baseline values and were not significantly different from baseline. Despite this, there were no significant changes in HRV measures in a supine position until the eighth day of acclimatization. R-R intervals decreased and mean heart rate increased significantly (P<0.001) during days 8–10 of acclimatization. In conclusion, major physiological adaptation of HRV indices in the standing position during acclimatization to a humid, hot environment, with a transition across five time zones, occurs within the first 5 days in elite athletes before returning to baseline. Indices of heart rate variability in the supine position correlate with the length of high-intensity training sessions on the previous day.

Effect of chewing a single betel-quid on autonomic nervous modulation in healthy young adults

Betel-quid is widely used around the world as a stimulant for the autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of betel-quid chewing on autonomic nervous modulation by using spectral heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Twenty healthy young adults were included in this study. Each subject chewed a single betel-quid containing one betel nut or a piece of chewing-gum for 60 min on different days in random order. Spectral HRV measures were obtained before, and 5, 30 and 60 min after starting to chew betel-quid or gum. Sequential changes in HRV measures were compared between chewing gum and betel-quid. Heart rate was significantly elevated after 5 min chewing betel-quid, but not after chewing gum. The normalized low-frequency power and low-/high-frequency power ratio were elevated after 5 min chewing gum or betel-quid; however, the normalized high-frequency power was reduced after 5 min chewing gum or betel-quid. The percentage changes in total power after 5, 30 and 60 min chewing betel-quid were significantly lower than those after chewing gum. This study confirms that novice chewing of betel-quid modulates autonomic nervous system activity; transiently enhancing sympathetic activity and gradually suppressing vagal activity in healthy young adults.

Changes in heart rate variability among cardiac resynchronization therapy patients

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillation (CRT-D) is a viable therapy in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). A prognostic marker of CHF is heart rate variability (HRV), which is a sign of autonomic dysfunction. Small clinical studies have shown improvements in measures of HRV (e.g., mean, minimum, and maximum heart rate, and SDANN (standard deviation of average five-minute RR intervals)) after CRT-D. The present study evaluated changes in HRV measures and clinical variables in a large generalized sample of patients who received CRT-D. Design: The Heart Failure-Heart Rate Variability (HF-HRV) Registry is an ongoing study that will enroll over 1200 (currently 1179) CHF patients who receive a Guidant CONTAK RENEWAL CRT-D. CRT-D device meaures (HRV measures and physical activity levels) and quality of life (QOL; measured with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) data were measured at implant/2-weeks (n = 957), 3-months (n = 528), and 6-months (n = 216) post-implant; data were collected at 12-months but were not reported. Proc Mixed was used to evaluate changes in HRV and clinical variables over time controlling for baseline measurements. Results: The average age of the HF-HRV Registry patients at implant was 70±11 years old; 79% of the patients were male. At implant, 89% of the patients had NYHA III and 11% had NYHA IV. The table summarizes results from patients with implant/2-week data and 3- or 6-month visit data. Conclusion: This large sample of CHF patients who received CRT-D showed improvements in heart rate variability (as shown by SDANN, HRV Footprint, and increases in maximum HR and decreases in minimum HR), Activity Log, and QOL. Future analyses will evaluate how SDANN and other measures are related to CHF hospitalizations and mortality. In addition, further analyses will determine if specific patient sub-groups show differential improvements in these measures. Tabled 1 Implant/2-weeks (n) 3-Months (n) 6-Months (n) p-value SDANN 69.1±23.2 (283) 77.9±26.5 (266) 82.3±26.5 (116) <0.0001 HRV Footprint 31.6±11.5 (283) 34.0±12.5 (266) 36.7±12.2 (116) <0.0001 Mean HR 74.4±10.5 (283) 74.9±11.2 (266) 72.4±9.3 (116) 0.45 Minimum HR 63.1±9.6 (283) 62.3±10.0 (266) 60.1±8.4 (116) 0.0001 Maximum HR 94.1±12.4 (283) 97.2±13.7 (266) 94.9±11.5 (116) <0.0001 Activity Log 4.9±3.2 (416) 7.9±4.6 (389) 7.5±3.7 (165) <0.0001 QOL 60.9±23.8 (514) 53.3±23.5 (501) 51.0±22.8 (205) <0.0001 Open table in a new tab

The Effect of Wai Tan Kung on Autonomic Nervous Modulation in the Elderly

The decline in physical capacity in the elderly can be ameliorated by low-velocity, low-impact exercises. Wai tan kung (WTK), a traditional Taiwanese conditioning exercise, is suitable for older people. This study evaluated the effect of WTK on autonomic nervous modulation in the elderly. Twenty WTK practitioners and 20 normal controls were recruited in this study. The stationary state spectral heart rate variability (HRV) measures, hemodynamics, and spirometry between the WTK group and normal controls and sequential changes in HRV measures and hemodynamics after WTK were compared. We found that the standard deviation and coefficient of variation of RR intervals, total power, low frequency power (LFP), and normalized LFP (nLFP) in WTK practitioners before WTK were all significantly higher than those of normal controls. After WTK, the normalized high-frequency power increased (nHFP) significantly from 27.7 ± 13.2 normalized units (nu) before WTK to 37.6 ± 16.0 nu 30 min after WTK, and to 39.8 ± 20.1 nu 60 min after WTK. In contrast, LFP/HFP decreased significantly from 1.3 ± 1.0 before WTK to 1.0 ± 0.9 30 min after WTK and to 0.8 ± 0.6 60 min after WTK. We concluded that in the short term, WTK enhances vagal modulation and suppresses sympathetic modulation, whereas in the long term, WTK enhances sympathetic modulation without compromising vagal modulation of the elderly. Thus WTK is good health-promoting calisthenics that can be recommended to the elderly.