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. 2013 Aug 19:2:389.
doi: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-389. eCollection 2013.

Relationship between post-exercise heart rate variability and skinfold thickness

Michael R Esco  1 , Henry N Williford
Affiliations

Relationship between post-exercise heart rate variability and skinfold thickness

Michael R Esco et al. Springerplus. .

Abstract

This investigation aimed to determine if groupings based upon sum of skinfold thickness (SF) would reflect the differences in heart rate variability (HRV) measured for up to 30-minutes following maximal exercise, and to determine the extent in variation in post-exercise HRV that could be accounted for between the following independent variables: SF, body mass index (BMI) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). SF and BMI measurements were performed on fifty-four men who completed maximal exercise testing to determine VO2max. HRV was evaluated for five-minutes before (Pre), at 0-5 minutes post- (Post1) and 25-30 minutes post-exercise (Post2), and analyzed by frequency domain [high frequency (HF) power, and HF to low frequency power ratio (LF:HF)). Two groups were formed based on being above or below the sample mean value of SF. HF and LF:HF were significantly higher and lower, respectively, at Pre and Post 2 in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05), which remained after controlling for VO2max and BMI. Furthermore, there was a significant trend toward baseline in post-exercise HRV in Group 1 (p < 0.05) but not in Group 2 (p > 0.05). In addition, SF was the only variable to significantly relate to the post-exercise HRV parameters (p < 0.05). The findings of this investigation suggest greater SF is related to a delayed return of HRV toward baseline from maximal exercise. The association between SF and HRV is independent of VO2max and BMI.

Keywords: Autonomic nervous system; Body composition; Cardiovascular; Exercise; Fitness.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Group × time interactions for HF. *Significantly greater than HFpost1 and HFpost2 (p < 0.05). †Significantly greater in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p > 0.05). ‡HFpost2 was significantly greater compared to HFpost1 in Group 1 (p > 0.05). Error bars not included for clarity.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Group × time interactions for LF:HF. *Significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p > 0.05). †Significantly greater in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05). ‡LF:HFpost2 was significantly lower compared to LF:HFpost1 in Group 1 (p > 0.05). Error bars not included for clarity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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