The Relationship between Physical Activity Level, Lactate Accumulation, and Heart Rate Variability among university students

Abstract

Physical activity is linked with autonomic nervous system control and metabolic adjustments during physical activity. The goal of this research is to determine the connection between physical activity level, blood lactate production, and heart rate variability in college students.

The present cross-sectional study involved 80 healthy volunteers in the age range of 18 to 30 years old. Physical activity level was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Heart rate variability indices were recorded at rest through a Polar H10 heart rate monitor, whereas the levels of blood lactate were determined prior to, immediately after, and during recovery from physical activity. Graded physical activity tests were conducted at 70 to 85 percent of maximal heart rate.

It was found that subjects in the high activity group have significantly reduced resting heart rate, significantly reduced post-exercise lactate concentration, and enhanced capacity of lactate clearance when compared to subjects in the low activity group (p < 0.01). Significant increase in HRV parameters associated with parasympathetic tone in high activity group was observed, while low frequency to high frequency ratio was lower (p < 0.001). There was significant negative correlation between post-exercise lactate concentration and HRV parameters and positive correlation with low to high frequency ratio.

It can be concluded that there is a positive relationship between physical activity and autonomic function as well as metabolism. HRV and lactate response can be used as effective markers of physical fitness and cardiovascular health.