Association between frequency of physical education classes and heart rate variability in adolescents boys: a cross-sectional study

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education (Maningá) Vol. 33; no. 1
• Main Authors: Silva, Jéssika Karla Tavares do Nascimento Faustino da, Lins Filho, Ozeas de Lima, Germano-Soares, Antonio Henrique, Ritti-Dias, Raphael Mendes, Farah, Breno Quintella
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Universidade Estadual de Maringá 2022
• Subjects: Adolescent; Autonomic nervous system; EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES; Physical Education; Educação Física; Physical Education; Autonomic nervous system; Adolescente; Sistema nervoso autônomo; Adolescent
• ISSN: 2448-2455; 2448-2455
• DOI: 10.4025/jphyseduc.v33i1.3322

Physical inactivity is associated with low heart rate variability (HRV) in adolescents. However, whether the number of physical education (PE) classes impact HRV remains unclear. This cross-sectional study verified the association between the frequency of PE classes and HRV parameters in male adolescents. This study included 1152 boys (16.6 ± 1.2 years). The quantity of PE classes was assessed though questionnaire and the adolescents were stratified accordingly (no PE class; one PE class/wk; ≥2 PE classes/wk). Time- (SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50) and frequency-domains (LF, HF, sympathovagal balance) of HRV were obtained. Generalized Linear Models were used for comparing the HRV parameters according to the quantity of PE classes, adjusting for confounders. There was no difference in HRV measures of time: (SDNN, p = 0.77; RMSSD, p=0.72; PNN50, p=0.83) and frequency (LF, p=0.61; HF, p=0.61; sympathovagal balance, p=0.60) between the different frequencies of PE classes. The frequency of PE classes in not associated with HRV parameters of male adolescents.