Exercise supports young men’s heart health regardless of body weight
The study analysed the body composition, physical activity and heart rate variability of nearly 3,400 conscription-age young men.
Heart rate variability reflects the autonomic regulation of the heart. High heart rate variability indicates strong autonomic regulation, which in turn is associated with better heart health.
The study found that physically active young men had high heart rate variability regardless of body weight. Those in the highest weight category who were least physically active had the lowest heart rate variability. An interesting finding was that in the highest weight category, even relatively low levels of physical activity were clearly associated with better heart rate variability.
“Findings suggest that even relatively low levels of exercise may mitigate obesity-related adverse changes in the heart’s autonomic regulation. This is also an important finding from the perspective of motivating physical activity. Health benefits can be achieved even if activity guidelines are not yet met or weight does not change. Better heart health is not visible from the outside,” said Doctoral Researcher Jaakko Tornberg.
Previous studies have found an association between physical activity and heart rate variability particularly in highly active individuals. The results of the newly published study suggest that also lower levels of physical activity may be linked to changes that support the heart’s autonomic regulation, particularly in the context of obesity.
The findings highlight the importance of physical activity for young people’s heart health at a time when overweight and obesity have become increasingly common.
The study was conducted as part of the MOPO project coordinated by the University of Oulu and ODL Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine. The data were collected between 2009 and 2013 during conscription examinations.
The study results have been published in the international journal Physical Activity and Health: Tornberg J, Ikäheimo T, Kaikkonen K, Pyky R, Nurkkala M, Hautala A, Jämsä T & Korpelainen R. Associations Between Physical Activity, Body Mass Index, and Cardiac Autonomic Function in Adolescent Men. Physical Activity and Health, 2026.