Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Date of Graduation
Spring 2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Department
Department of Kinesiology
Advisor(s)
Trent A. Hargens
Nicholas D. Luden
Christopher J. Womack
Abstract
Purpose: Heart rate variability threshold (HRVT) is a clinical parameter used to gain insight into autonomic balance. Various studies have validated the use of cycle ergometers in determining HRVT, although the literature lacks evidence that treadmill use is a viable means of determining this threshold. We examined the repeatability of HRVT occurrence using standard deviation of normal R-R intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences of continuous R-R intervals (RMSSD), and standard deviation of instantaneous beat intervals (SD1) in college aged males using treadmill exercise to see if this is a reliable method of threshold determination.
Methods: Ten healthy, college-aged males underwent two treadmill max tests while heart rate and ventilation data was obtained using a polar V-800 watch and a PARVO metabolic cart, respectively. Paired t-tests were used to compare consistency of average HRVT and VT occurrence between trials, and to find agreement of HRVT and VT occurrence together within trials.
Results: There was no difference between SDNN, RMSSD, SD1, or VT occurrence between trials one and two. There a significant difference between RMSSD and VT and SD1 and VT (P = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively), however there was agreement between SDNN and VT (P = 0.06).
Conclusion: Treadmill modality is a reliable method of finding HRVT in a population of healthy young males. HRVT and VT does not correspond on a treadmill as it has been reported to with cycle ergometry.
Recommended Citation
Chambers, Shane, "Repeatability of the heart rate variability threshold during treadmill exercise" (2018). Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019. 565.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/honors201019/565
