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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(10): 719-724
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1225329
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Strength Training on Work Capacity and Parasympathetic Heart Rate Modulation During Exercise in Physically Inactive Men

M. Hu 1 , 3 , T. Finni 2 , L. Zou 1 , M. Perhonen 4 , M. Sedliak 2 , M. Alen 5 , S. Cheng 3
  • 1Laboratory Centre for Sport Science and Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Physical Education, Guangzhou, China
  • 2Department of Biology of Physical Acitvity, University of Jyv äskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
  • 3Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyvä skylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
  • 4CorusFit Oy, Jyväskylä, Finland
  • 5Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Oulu University Hospital and Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision April 20, 2009

Publication Date:
14 August 2009 (online)

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Abstract

This study was designed to assess the effects of strength training on work capacity and parasympathetic heart rate modulation during exercise in physically inactive men. Seventy-four men aged 20–45 were randomly assigned to training (n=52) and control (n=22) groups. Training groups underwent 10-weeks of progressive strength training. Body composition, one-repetition maximum half-squat and maximal oxygen uptake were measured before and after the intervention. Respiratory gases, heart rate and blood lactate were recorded during a VO2max test on a cycle ergometer. Parasympathetic heart rate modulation was analyzed based on the standard deviation of instantaneous beat-to-beat R-R interval variability (SD1) and its normalized unit (SD1n). Muscle strength and lean body mass increased in the training group. Compared to the control group, time to exhaustion increased significantly in the training group (p<0.05). SD1 and SD1n were elevated in the training group at submaximal exercise intensities (100 W, p<0.05). Blood lactate decreased at submaximal intensities when compared to the control group. Strength training increased exercise capacity, and improved vagal modulation of heart rate at submaximal exercise intensities. These changes may have favourable cardiovascular health implications for sedentary men during normal daily activities.

Key words

exercise capacity - heart rate variability - cardiovascular health - incremental exercise test

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Correspondence

Prof. S. ChengPhD 

Department of Health Sciences

University of Jyväskylä

PO Box 35

Jyväskylä

Finland

FIN-40014

Phone: +358/14/260 20 91

Fax: +358/14/260 20 11

Email: sulin.cheng@jyu.fi

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