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Int J Sports Med 2006; 27(9): 697-701
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-872929
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Relationship Between Very High Physical Activity Energy Expenditure, Heart Rate Variability and Self-Estimate of Health Status in Middle-Aged Individuals

M. Buchheit1 , C. Simon1 , A. Charloux1 , S. Doutreleau1 , F. Piquard1 , G. Brandenberger1
  • 1Laboratoire des Régulations Physiologiques et des Rythmes Biologiques chez l'Homme, Strasbourg Cedex, Strasbourg, France
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Publication History

Accepted after revision: September 12, 2005

Publication Date:
06 December 2005 (online)

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Abstract

In middle-aged persons, moderate physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) has been shown to be associated with increased vagal-related heart rate variability (HRV) indexes and better health status. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a very high PAEE has greater effect on vagal-related HRV indexes and self-estimates of well-being in middle-aged subjects having distinct long-term physical activity profiles. Forty-four subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of the sport score of the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Older Adults: sedentary (SED, n = 15), moderately-trained (MT, n = 16), and highly-trained subjects (HT, n = 13). PAEE was estimated by triaxial accelerometry during one week. Time and frequency domain HRV indexes were determined during quiet periods in the morning on 5-min R‐R interval segments under controlled breathing. Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 health survey questionnaire. PAEE was significantly different for each group (374.5 ± 13.8, 616.8 ± 22.4, and 1086.6 ± 43.2 kcal · day-1 for SED, MT, and HT, respectively, p < 0.001). MT presented significantly higher vagal-related HRV indexes than SED and HT (p < 0.05). None of the HRV indexes was significantly greater in HT than in SED. MT and HT had similar health status scores, which were significantly higher than for SED. These results indicate that in middle-aged subjects, habitual moderate PAEE is associated with greater vagal tone and self-estimates of well-being compared to low PAEE. In contrast, very high PAEE is associated with similar vagal-related indexes as low PAEE, despite better overall health status.

Key words

Parasympathetic control of the heart - physical activity - exercise - aging

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M. Buchheit

Laboratoire des Régulations Physiologiques et des Rythmes Biologiques chez l'Homme, Faculté de Médecine

4 rue Kirschleger

67085 Strasbourg Cedex

France

Phone: + 33390243432

Fax: + 33 390 24 34 44

Email: Martin.Buchheit@physio-ulp.u-strasbg.fr