Abstract
We evaluated the effects of low-dose endurance training on autonomic HR control. We assessed the heart rate variability (HRV) of 11 untrained male subjects (36.8 ± 7.2 years) at rest and during an incremental maximal aerobic exercise test prior to a 7-week preparatory period and prior to and following a 14-week endurance training period, including a low to high intensity exercise session twice a week. Total (0.04–1.2 Hz), low (0.04–0.15 Hz) and high (0.15–1.2 Hz) frequency power of HRV were computed by short-time Fourier transform. The preparatory period induced no change in aerobic power or HRV. The endurance training period increased peak aerobic power by 12% (P < 0.001), decreased the HR (P < 0.01) and increased all HRV indices (P < 0.05–0.01) at absolute submaximal exercise intensities, but not at rest. In conclusion, low-dose endurance training enhanced vagal control during exercise, but did not alter resting vagal HR control.
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Acknowledgments
This study was funded by grants from the Ministry of Education, Finland, TEKES-National Technology Agency of Finland, Emil Aaltonen’s Foundation, Finland and Finnish Cultural Foundation.
Conflict of interest statement
This study was partly funded by grants from Suunto Ltd., Finland, and Firstbeat Technologies Ltd., Finland. Heikki Rusko is currently a stockowner of Firstbeat Technologies Ltd., Finland.
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Martinmäki, K., Häkkinen, K., Mikkola, J. et al. Effect of low-dose endurance training on heart rate variability at rest and during an incremental maximal exercise test. Eur J Appl Physiol 104, 541–548 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0804-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0804-9