Heart rate recovery as an index to aerobic aptitude

Abstract

The heart rate recovery is used as indicator of aerobic condition. The objective of this study was to verify the association between markers of aerobic condition and the phases of heart rate recovery. Eleven individuals were submitted on the maximal progressive test and post-recovery was realized in passive form. The load and heart rate in deflection point of heart rate (W_DMAX e HR_DMAX), in maximal load (W_MAX e HR_MAX) and the absolute and relative values of heart rate recovery in 1, 3 and 5 minutes after exercise was computed. The significant associations were found between W_MAX and relative recovery of heart rate in 3 and 5 (0.832 and 0.708; p < 0.05, respectively) and between W_MAX and absolute heart rate in 3 minutes (-0.766; p < 0.05). The W_DMAX was associated only with absolute values in 3 and 5 minutes (-0.809 and –0.692; p < 0.05; respectively). The best level of aerobic condition is associated with slower phase of heart rate recovery, permitting a fast decline in heart rate in this period in individuals trained.