Correlation between heart rate variability and physical activity level in young healthy men

Abstract

This study describes the Heart Rate Variability (VFC) behavioral in time and frequency domains related with de Physical Activity level, mea- sured by means of the Global Physical Activity Questioner (GPAQ). Twenty male non smokers students were studied, with an average age of 21,47 + 3,36, an average weight of 61,09 + 7,30 Kg, with a Body Mass Rate of 21,18+ 1,99 Kg/m2, categorized in high, medium or low Physical Activity Level according to the GPAQ questioner. Evident illnesses were dismissed by a clinical exam and the HRV was measured. The equipments used were hearth rate monitors scale trademark POLAR. Parametric criteria were used for the data analysis, the t-student and correlation tests were applied. The results show a significant correlation between the (VFC) and the High Physical Activity group; the highest correlation was found in the frequency domain between the logarithm of the Low Frequency (LnBF by its initials in Spanish) and the group High Physical Activity group (A.F.ALTA, by its initials in Spanish, r= 0,747). The variables in the domain showed moderated correlations (R-Ri r= 0,57, rMSSD r= 0,665), the same as the non-linear analysis, the SD1 in the Poincaré table (r=0,665). In conclusion, the Heart Rate Variability (VFC) is anuseful and cheap tool, non invasive and the easy application, which has a significant correlation with the level of physical activity in young healthy and non obese adults. More studies are necessary in order to elucidate diverse factors that incide on the Heart Rate Variability.