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Greater autonomic modulation during post-exercise hypotension following high-intensity interval exercise in endurance-trained men and women

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European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

An acute reduction in blood pressure observed after a single bout of exercise is termed post-exercise hypotension (PEH). In contrast to moderate intensity aerobic exercise, little is known about the PEH response following high-intensity interval exercise. The present purpose is to assess how sex and training status impact PEH following high-intensity interval exercise.

Methods

Cardiac volumes and function via echocardiography were measured in 40 normotensive, endurance-trained (ET) and normally active (NA) men and women (Age ± SD = 30.5 ± 5.7) following high-intensity interval cycle exercise. Continuous measurements of ECG and beat-by-beat blood pressure were collected before and 30 min post-exercise for determination of cardiovagal baroreflex function (BRS and αLF), spectral analysis of heart rate and systolic blood pressure (SBP LF).

Results

Post-exercise systolic BP was significantly reduced from baseline, occurring to a greater degree in ET compared with NA (−12.9 vs. −5.3 mmHg, P = 0.008), while mean arterial pressure was similarly reduced in all groups (−4.6 mmHg, P = 0.003). Despite reduced SVI and TPRI, CI was increased post-exercise (P < 0.01). ET experienced a greater decrease in αLF (P = 0.037) and increase in SBP LF (P = 0.017) than NA. Lean body mass was a significant predictor of change in SBP LF (Std. β = 0.735, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

These results characterize greater depressions in cardiovagal baroreflex function, and increased sympathetic activity, following vigorous exercise in endurance-trained individuals compared with normally active participants. This heightened sympathovagal balance after high-intensity exercise may be a compensatory mechanism in response to greater peripheral blood flow demands following vigorous exercise.

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Abbreviations

αLF:

Alpha low frequency

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

BRS:

Baroreceptor sensitivity

BSA:

Body surface area

CI:

Cardiac index

CO:

Cardiac output

DBP:

Diastolic blood pressure

DXA:

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

ECG:

Electrocardiogram

EDV:

End-diastolic volume

EDVI:

End-diastolic volume index

EF:

Ejection fraction

ESV:

End-systolic volume

ESVI:

End-systolic volume index

ET:

Endurance-trained

FS:

Fractional shortening

HR:

Heart rate

IVSTD:

Intra-ventricular septal wall thickness (diastole)

LBMI:

Lean body mass index

RRI LF/HF:

Ratio of high frequency to low frequency of heart rate variability

LV:

Left ventricular

LVIDD:

Left ventricular internal dimension (diastole)

MAP:

Mean arterial pressure

NA:

Normally active

PEH:

Post-exercise hypotension

PWTD:

Posterior wall thickness (diastole)

SBP:

Systolic blood pressure

SBP:

LF Low frequency of systolic blood pressure

SV:

Stroke volume

SVI:

Stroke volume index

TPR:

Total peripheral resistance

TPRI:

Total peripheral resistance index

VO2max :

Maximal oxygen consumption

WS:

Wall Stress

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Jack Taunton and GE Healthcare.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Rm. 205, Unit II Osborne Centre, 6108 Thunderbird Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada

    Anita T. Cote, Aaron A. Phillips & Darren E. R. Warburton

  2. Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Anita T. Cote, Shannon S. D. Bredin, Aaron A. Phillips & Darren E. R. Warburton

  3. Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Aaron A. Phillips & Darren E. R. Warburton

  4. Environmental Physiology Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Michael S. Koehle

  5. Division of Sports Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Michael S. Koehle

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  1. Anita T. Cote
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  2. Shannon S. D. Bredin
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  3. Aaron A. Phillips
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Correspondence to Anita T. Cote.

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Communicated by Keith Phillip George.

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Cote, A.T., Bredin, S.S.D., Phillips, A.A. et al. Greater autonomic modulation during post-exercise hypotension following high-intensity interval exercise in endurance-trained men and women. Eur J Appl Physiol 115, 81–89 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2996-5

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