Acute effects of long-distance races on heart rate variability and arterial stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

This study systematically reviewed and quantified the effects of running a long-distance 23 race (LDR) on heart rate variability (HRV) and arterial stiffness (AS). All types of races 24 of a distance equal to or greater than a marathon (≥42.2 km) were included. A total of 25 2,220 articles were identified, 52 were included in the qualitative analysis, and 48 were 26 meta-analysed. The standardised mean difference pre-post-race of various time-domain 27 and frequency-domain indices of HRV, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), systolic 28 blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and carotid-femoral pulse wave 29 velocity (cfPWV) was calculated. Regarding HRV, there was a significant decrease in 30 most of the variables considered as markers of parasympathetic activity, indicating a shift 31 of autonomic balance toward a reduced vagal tone. Regarding vascular variables, there 32 was a significant drop in blood pressure and reduced AS. In conclusion, running an LDR 33 seems to have a considerable acute effect on the autonomic nervous system, 34 haemodynamics, and vascular properties. The observed effects could be categorised 35 within the expected acute responses to long-lasting, strenuous exercise.

Acute Effects of the Interval and Duration of Intermittent Exercise on Arterial Stiffness in Young Men

“…Increased aerobic capacity, for example, lowers blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Regular exercise improves arterial stiffness, long-distance running helps reduce arterial stiffness [ 13 ], low-intensity resistance exercise helps reduce arterial stiffness [ 14 ], and high-intensity intermittent exercise helps reduce arterial stiffness in obese women [ 15 ]. People who exercise prefer moderate-intensity interval exercise to high-intensity continuous exercise and interval exercise because it is more acceptable and easier to stick to.…”