Summary
Significant increases in maximum oxygen consumption (\(\dot V{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}\)) were noted in nine young track athletes following an 8-week high-intensity running period (P < 0.05).\(\dot V{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}}\) was measured, prior to and following the training program, using an on-line, open-circuit spirometry system. Parasympathetic activity was assessed using heart period variation (R-R interval in milliseconds) during carefully controlled breathing activity (R sinus arrhythmia). Following the training program, a 7.3% increase in aerobic capacity was associated with a 23.1% augmentation of efferent parasympathetic activity (P < 0.01). These data suggest that enhanced aerobic capacity increases efferent parasympathetic tone.
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De Meersman, R.E. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia alteration following training in endurance athletes. Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 64, 434–436 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00625063
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00625063