Anticipatory Heart Rate Before Moderate- and Vigorous-Intensity Exercise Among Sedentary and Physically Active Young Adult Males

BackgroundAnticipatory heart rate (HR) refers to an increase in HR that occurs in anticipation of a future event or activity. The anticipatory heart rate (HR) response before exercise is an important physiological indicator of exercise readiness. This study aimed to compare the anticipatory HR changes between sedentary and physically active young adult males during moderate-and vigorous-intensity exercise. Understanding these anticipatory heart rate patterns can provide insights into the physiological adaptations and cardiovascular health of individuals with varying physical activity levels.Materials and methodsA total of 60 young adult males, comprising sedentary (n = 30) and physically active individuals (n = 30), participated in this study. A brisk walking for a distance of 50 m was considered moderate intensity and one minute of spot jogging at maximum effort with verbal encouragement was considered vigorous intensity exercise. The HR was recorded at baseline, just before the exercise, and on each minute up to 5 minutes after the exercise.ResultsThe study involved 30 physically active young adult males (mean age 20.23 +/- 1.43 years) and 30 sedentary adult males (mean age 20.07 +/- 1.17 years). In physically active young adults, the resting HR was 76.4 +/- 10.89 bpm and just before starting moderate-intensity exercise, it was 78.83 +/- 12.98 bpm, paired t-test P = 0.22. The HR just before vigorous-intensity exercise was 80.83 +/- 11.18 bpm (paired t-test P = 0.03). In sedentary young adults, the resting HR was 82.23 +/- 12.69 bpm and just before starting moderate-intensity exercise, it was 90.13 +/- 18.69 bpm, paired t-test P = 0.0008. The HR just before vigorous-intensity exercise was 91.7 +/- 15.04 bpm (paired t-test P <0.0001).ConclusionPhysically active young adults did not exhibit a significant increase in anticipatory HR before moderate intensity exercise. However, sedentary individuals exhibit a significant anticipatory HR response. Before vigorous-intensity exercise, both exhibited significant increments in HR. The result highlights the importance of considering the anticipatory HR response as a potential marker of cardiovascular health and exercise readiness.