Effects of Modified Square-Stepping Exercise on Heart Rate Variability and Body Fat in the Elderly

• Published in: Journal of exercise physiology online Vol. 23; no. 6; p. 41
• Main Authors: Sawasdee, Chalermkiat, Auvichayapat, Paradee, Punjaruk, Wiyada, Leelayuwat, Naruemon, Tunkamnerdthai, Orathai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Duluth American Society of Exercise Physiologists 01.12.2020
• Subjects: Aged; Analysis; Body fat; Exercise; Exercise therapy; Exercise therapy for the aged; Heart beat; Heart rate; Older people; Physiological aspects; Thailand
• ISSN: 1097-9751

Sawasdee C, Auvichayapat P, Punjaruk W, Leelayuwat N, Tunkamnerdthai O. Effects of Modified Square-Stepping Exercise on Heart Rate Variability and Body Fat in the Elderly. JEPonline 2020;23(6):41-52. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of modified square-stepping exercise (MSSE) training on heart rate variability (HRV) and body fat in the elderly. Forty-three older subjects were each randomly allocated to either the Training Group (TG) (n = 22) or the Control Group (CG) (n = 21). Subjects in the TG performed MSSE for 30 min * [d.sup.-1], 3 d * [wk.sup.-1] for 12 wks; whereas, the subjects in the CG had no exercise intervention. Outcome variables of HRV and body fat were assessed before and after the study period. None of the parameters differed significantly between the two groups at baseline and there was no statistical change in the CG after the study period. After undergoing training, the TG showed significant decrease in biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thickness (P<0.05). In addition, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thickness that had changed in the TG also differed significantly from those in the CG (P<0.05), except for biceps skinfold thickness. However, variables of HRV in time and frequency domains did not change significantly after the intervention nor did they differ significantly between the two groups. These results indicate that the MSSE training decreases body fat in the elderly. Key Words: Body Composition, Cardiac Autonomic Activity, Low-Intensity Exercise Training