Comparison of recovery cardiovascular responses of young physically active and sedentary Nigerian undergraduates following exercise testing

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the recovery heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) responses of sedentary (physically inactive) and physically active young subjects following a submaximal exercise test on a bicycle ergometer. Methods Apparently healthy sedentary university students who were matched for age with their physically active counterparts (N=102; mean age 24.84 ± 3. 215 years) participated in this study. All subjects performed exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer, and their HR and BP were measured before exercise, at peakexercise, and at first, third and fifth minutes post exercise. Results The recovery HR drop at first, third and fifth minutes minutes post-exercise were significantly higher among the physically active participants than in their sedentary counterparts. Although the recovery systolic BP drop at the first and third minutes post-exercise were comparable for the groups, it was higher in the PA group than in the sedentary group five minutes into recovery. Conclusion Overall, the study affirms quicker return to hemodynamic equilibrium consistent with adaptations in physically active subjects, compared to their sedentary counterparts.