High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Different Types of Exercises on Cardiac Autonomic Function. An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study in CrossFit ® Athletes

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health 2022-12, Vol.20 (1), p.634
• Main Authors: Morlin, Michelle Teles, da Cruz, Carlos Janssen Gomes, Guimarães, Freddy Enrique Ramos, da Silva, Renato André Sousa, Porto, Luiz Guilherme Grossi, Molina, Guilherme Eckhardt
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerobics; Athletes; Autonomic nervous system; Autonomic Nervous System - physiology; Blood pressure; Cardiac stress tests; Cardiovascular disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Data collection; Exercise; Fitness equipment; Heart rate; Heart Rate - physiology; High-Intensity Interval Training; Humans; Interval training; Laboratories; Male; Mortality; Parasympathetic nervous system; Physical fitness; Physiology; Reactivity; Rest; Sinuses; Statistical analysis; Triathlon
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010634

It is well established that endurance exercise has positive effects on cardiac autonomic function (CAF). However, there is still a dearth of information about the effects of regular high-intensity interval training combined with different types of exercises (HIITCE) on CAF. The aim of this study is to compare CAF at rest, its reactivity, and reactivation following maximal exercise testing in HIITCE and endurance athletes. An observational study was conducted with 34 male athletes of HIITCE (i.e., CrossFit ) [HG: n = 18; 30.6 ± 4.8 years] and endurance athletes (i.e., triathlon) [TG.: n = 16; 32.8 ± 3.6 years]. We analyzed 5 min of frequency-domain indices (TP, LF, HF, LFn, HFn, and LF/HF ratio) of heart rate variability (HRV) in both supine and orthostatic positions and its reactivity after the active orthostatic test. Post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) was assessed at 60, 180, and 300 s. Statistical analysis employed a non-parametric test with a -value set at 5%. The HG showed reduced HFn and increased LFn modulations at rest (supine). Overall cardiac autonomic modulation (TP) at supine and all indices of HRV at the orthostatic position were similar between groups. Following the orthostatic test, the HG showed low reactivity for all HRV indices compared to TG. After the exercise, HRR does not show a difference between groups at 60 s. However, at 180 and 300 s, an impairment of HRR was observed in HG than in TG. At rest (supine), the HG showed reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic modulation, low reactivity after postural change, and impaired HRR compared to TG.