Comparison of Baroreflex Sensitivity and Cardiac Autonomic Function Between Adolescent Athlete and Non-athlete Boys - A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: It is well known that regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, and higher baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability are associated with cardiovascular health. Adolescence is the age when an individual's behavior is easily modified; early intervention at this stage in terms of physical conditioning or training prevents future cardiovascular risk. Hence, we conceived the present study to assess and compare the baroreflex sensitivity and autonomic function between adolescent athletes and non-athletes. Methods: We recruited school going athletes (n = 30) and non-athlete boys (n = 30) in the 10-19 age group after obtaining their assent and consent from their parents. We assessed height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, baroreflex sensitivity, and cardiac autonomic function. Comparison between groups was made using the unpaired t-test for height, weight, body mass index, heart rate, blood pressure, and baroreflex sensitivity and using Mann-Whitney U test for cardiac autonomic function parameters. Results: There was a trend for higher baroreflex sensitivity in athletes. Heart rate variability (total power and SDNN) was higher in athletes. The parasympathetic tone was higher in terms of higher RMSSD, and higher HF power. Parasympathetic reactivity was higher in athletes in terms of higher 30:15 ratio and El ratio. Conclusion: Athletic level physical conditioning has a positive influence on baroreflex function and autonomic function that may prove beneficial to the adolescents' cardiovascular health.