Heart Rate Recovery in Sedentary and Physically Active Individuals

Abstract

Introduction: Slow heart recovery after an exercise test is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. An abnormal value for the recovery of heart rate (HR) was defined as a reduction of 12 beats per minute or less from the HR at peak exercise. The following study was taken up to assess the HR and blood pressure of the individuals with physically active lifestyle versus sedentary lifestyle. This research study was aimed to study the difference in HR recovery in response to 3-min step test between sedentary group and physically active group within age group of 18–24 years. Methodology: Forty-five healthy subjects were divided into two groups sedentary and physically active. Each participant was subjected to YMCA 3-min step test, and their pre- and post-readings for HR were noted. Heart rate recovery in 1 min (HRR1) and in 2 min (HRR2) after step test was noted. These parameters were, thus, compared in two groups statistically. Results: Significant difference in HRR1 and HRR2 was found in between physically active group and sedentary group. It was also found that time taken for the HR to recover to resting HR was delayed in sedentary group than physically active group. Conclusion: On the basis of the results found in present study, there is a significant difference between physically active and sedentary individuals, for HR recovery.