Effects of interval aerobic exercise on the autonomic nervous function of healthy young adults

Abstract

We investigated the effects of interval aerobic exercise (IAE) on the autonomic nervous function using pulse rate variability (PRV). PRV was measured before and after 12 minutes of IAE and continuous aerobic exercise (CAE) at both moderate and high intensities by 12 healthy young adults. We also recorded subjective fatigue level after each exercise. The PRV parameters used were LnLF, which reflects both the sympathetic and parasympathetic functions, SDNN, RMSSD, and LnHF, which reflects parasympathetic function, and LF/HF, which reflects sympathetic function. No significant changes in PRV parameters were observed before and after CAE at moderate intensity. After CAE at high intensity, SDNN, RMSSD, LnTP, LnLF, and LnHF were significantly reduced. After IAE, SDNN, LnTP, LnLF, and LnHF were significantly reduced. In addition, the subjective post-exercise fatigue level was significantly higher after CAE at high intensity than after CAE at moderate intensity and IAE. Since IAE can affect the autonomic nervous system function while reducing subjective fatigue, it may be useful as an alternative aerobic exercise for the purpose of regulating autonomic nervous system function.