Acute Effect of Novel Mind-Body Exercise on Heart Rate Variability in Older Adults

• Published in: Journal of exercise physiology online Vol. 25; no. 2; p. 51
• Main Authors: Liu, Guangliang, Premsri, Narisara, Tong-un, Terdthai, Sespheng, Arisa, Teparak, Chompoonut, Nonsa-ad, Rujira, Aneknan, Ploypailin, Tunkamnerdthai, Orathai, Leelayuwat, Naruemon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Duluth American Society of Exercise Physiologists 01-04-2022
• Subjects: Heart beat; Heart rate; Older people; Physiological aspects; Physiology; Thailand
• ISSN: 1097-9751; 1097-9751

Liu G, Premsri N, Tong-un T, Sespheng A, Teparak C, Nonsa-ad R, Aneknun P, Tunkamnerdthai O, Leelayuwat N. Acute Effect of Novel Mind-Body Exercise on Heart Rate Variability in Older Adults. JEPonline 2022;25(2):51-69. This study examined the acute effect of Khon Kaen University (KKU) Qigong exercise, novel mind-body exercise, on heart rate variability (HRV) in older adults. The subjects (66 [+ or -] 4.20 years of age) were randomly divided into 2 Groups (n = 12 in each Group): the KKU Qigong Group (KQG) and the Control Group (CG). Subjects in the CG read a book while sitting. The KKU subjects performed one 30-minute session of exercise/reading. HRV was determined before, during, and after the session of exercise/reading. KKU Qigong increased heart rate and respiratory rate that indicated a pattern of moderate physiological activation. Although the exercise did not change other HRV variables over the baseline, it had a lower parasympathetic activity and a higher stress than reading. This study indicates that moderate physiological activation of the KKU Qigong exercise increased HR without any effects on other HRV variables in older adults. Key Words: Autonomic Nervous System, Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, Elderly, Qigong, Stress