High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise and Autonomic Modulation: Effects of Different Volume Sessions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare heart rate variability (HRV) recovery after 2 sessions of high-intensity intermittent exercise at different volumes (1.25 km [HIIE] and 2.5 km [HIIE]). 13 participants determined their maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and completed 2 HIIE (1:1 at 100% MAS) trials. The heart rate was recorded before and after each session. HRV indicators were calculated according to time (RMSSD and SDNN) and frequency (LF, HF and LF/HF ratio) domains. SDNN and RMSSD presented effect of test (F=20.97; p<0.01 and F=21.00; p<0.01, respectively) and moment (F=6.76; p<0.01 and F=12.30; p<0.01, respectively), without interaction. Even though we did not find an interaction effect for any HRV variables, the HIIE presented a delay of only 5 min in HRV recovery, when compared to HIIE. However, the effects of the test (SDNN, RMSSD, LF-log, and HF-log) indicate higher autonomic stress during the entire recovery period. These findings may indicate that exercise volume interferes with HRV recovery. If so, physically active subjects may choose a lower volume exercise (i. e., HIIE) in order to promote similar physical fitness adaptations with lower loading on autonomic modulation.

Effects of different aerobic exercise programs on cardiac autonomic modulation and hemodynamics in hypertension: data from EXERDIET-HTA randomized trial

“…All the aforementioned results and discussion confirm that ExT pari passu improves hemodynamics and autonomic responses in overweight/obese and hypertensive population, irrespective of intensity and volume. The current study adds further evidence to the argument that LV-HIIT (twice a week) is an efficient ExT alternative for this population due to: 1) time efficiency (less time to get similar results) (14,31), and 2) lower stress of autonomic modulation (31). These findings are relevant for both practitioners and clinicians alike.…”

Estimating Core Body Temperature Using Electrocardiogram Signals

“…In this context, the LF/HF ratio to the LF component is considered to be an index of sympathetic nerve activity [9][19] . Castrillón et al [20] have examined this index as an indicator of post-exercise recovery. It is important to note that most of the previous studies on this index have been validated by physiological measurements taken during desk work or in the context of standing up from the supine position, not during exercise, as in this study [19][21] .…”

The ClassA Framework: HRV Based Assessment of SNS and PNS Dynamics Without LF-HF Controversies

“…Indeed, differences have been found in the physiological responses to physical and mental stress; for example, it has been found that mental stress causes a greater and faster release of the stress hormone cortisol, than exercise stress (Lovallo et al, 2006). The large SDNN seen during the arithmetic test indicates that HRV continued to vary during the test (Castrillión et al, 2017), and did not reach a plateau, whereas the low SDNN seen during exercise indicates that HRV reached a plateau, and ceased to vary.…”

“…Attempts to quantitatively identify stress from physiological signals have included temporal (Castrillión et al, 2017), spectral (Montano et al, 1994), and nonlinear (Vuksanovic and Gal, 2007) measures, however, conventional algorithms have not been able to achieve an accurate and precise discernment of stress states from rest. This is a reflection of the complexity of the human stress response, for which the causes are manifold, and the manifestations are yet to be fully understood.…”