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Abstract

Background: Resting heart rate (RHR) is a key indicator of cardiovascular efficiency and overall fitness.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of structured aerobic training on RHR reduction among sedentary individuals and trained athletes over a 12-week period.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 sedentary individuals (Sample A) and 10 trained athletes (Sample B), matched for age and sex.Participants underwent structured aerobic training, and RHR measurements were recorded weekly using the carotid artery pulse method.Preexercise and post-exercise heart rates were analyzed to determine reductions over time. Results:The findings revealed a significant decrease in RHR for both groups.Sedentary individuals showed an average drop of 19.3 BPM, whereas athletes exhibited a reduction of 13.2 BPM, indicating a 6.1 BPM disparity between the groups.Initial mean RHR for sedentary individuals was 78.5 BPM, which reduced to 61.9 BPM by the 12th week, while the athletes' mean RHR dropped from 62.8 BPM to 48.7 BPM.The results suggest that sedentary individuals experience greater RHR reductions due to initial deconditioning. Conclusion:This study underscores the transformative impact of physical activity on cardiovascular health, particularly for sedentary individuals, who exhibited the most significant RHR improvements.The findings highlight that baseline RHR-especially in athletes-can predict adaptation potential, offering valuable insights for personalized training programs.By demonstrating the malleability of RHR through exercise, this research reinforces the critical role of physical activity in enhancing cardiac efficiency and reducing cardiovascular risk.Future work should explore longitudinal effects and optimize interventions for diverse populations, bridging the gap between sedentary lifestyles and sustained athletic training.