Effects of aerobic training on heart rate variability in healthy adults: a systematic review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Heart rate variability (HRV), the oscillation in the time interval between successive R waves is widely used as a non-invasive measure of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. Aerobic exercise training is reported to have beneficial effects on physical and mental health. The aim of this systematic review was to provide the existing literature assessing the effect of aerobic exercise training on ANS, indexed by changes in HRV, in healthy adults.EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This systematic review was performed accordingly to the PRISMA statement. The electronic databases used were PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cinhal, and SportDiscuss. Studies published between January 2000 and April 2022, and investigating changes in HRV after aerobic exercise training in healthy adults were included. Studies were assessed for methodological quality by TESTEX and STARDHRV scales. This review was registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42022322429.EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Of the total studies first retrieved in the literature search, 16 studies were eligible and analyzed. Fifteen of 16 studies showed improved HRV after aerobic exercise training. Moreover, exercise training characteristics including its type and intensity, and cardiac vagal activity at baseline may be factors to be considered for the improvement of HRV. However, studies’ quality assessment revealed some methodological limitations.CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise training is effective for improving the autonomic function. HRV measurement is an easy method to reveal ANS activity; however, discrepancies in methodologies used are still observed and make comparability between studies difficult. Standardization of processes used is recommended for studies of exercise interventions and HRV assessment.