Dynamics of heart rate variability at different ages: effect of the arm crank and cycle ergometer protocols.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the behavior of heart rate variability at rest, mid-test, immediately, 5 and 10 min of recovery following the exhaustive arm crank and cycle ergometer protocols in healthy children, middle-aged and elderly subjects.

METHODS

Thirty-six healthy men volunteered to participate in this study and were assigned to three groups: child (N.=12), middle-aged (N.=12) and elder (N.=12). Heart rate variability was assessed by calculation of the mean R-R interval measured by Electrocardiogram at each phases.

RESULTS

Heart rate variability significantly decreased at mid-test, immediately and significantly increased in 5 and 10 min of recovery after both the arm crank and cycle ergometer protocols among all groups, these changes were significantly higher in cycle ergometer compared with arm crank protocol among all age groups. Moreover, increase of heart rate variability was significantly higher in the middle-aged than that for children and elder subjects during 5 and 10 min of recovery after cycle ergometer protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate a relationship between lowered heart rate variability and the age of the subjects. In addition, our findings suggest a clinically important effect of exhaustive physical activity in various ages after upper body work than lower body work.