Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the impact of exercise intensity on heart rate variability (HRV) in young adults. Heart rate variability is a measure of the variability in time intervals between heartbeats, reflecting the autonomic regulation of the heart. The study aims to understand how different intensities of exercise influence HRV in young adults, as HRV has been linked to cardiovascular health and overall well-being. The research design is a cross-sectional study involving young adults aged between 18-30 years. Participants will undergo a series of exercise tests at varying intensities, with HRV measurements taken before, during, and after exercise. HRV will be assessed using non-invasive methods such as heart rate monitors and electrocardiography. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the study, background information on HRV and exercise physiology, the problem statement, objectives of the study, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review on the relationship between exercise intensity and HRV in young adults. The review covers studies on the effects of different exercise modalities, durations, and intensities on HRV, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, including details on the study design, participant recruitment, exercise protocols, HRV measurements, data analysis methods, and ethical considerations. The chapter also discusses potential confounding variables and strategies to address them. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the study, including the effects of exercise intensity on HRV parameters such as time domain and frequency domain measures. The results will be discussed in relation to existing literature and implications for cardiovascular health and exercise prescription. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing the implications for future research and clinical practice, and providing recommendations for optimizing exercise intensity for improving HRV in young adults. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on the relationship between exercise and cardiovascular health, highlighting the importance of personalized exercise prescriptions based on individual HRV responses.

Thesis Overview

The research project, titled "Investigating the impact of exercise intensity on heart rate variability in young adults," aims to explore the relationship between exercise intensity levels and heart rate variability (HRV) in the young adult population. Heart rate variability, a measure of the variation in time intervals between heartbeats, is an important indicator of autonomic nervous system activity and overall cardiovascular health. Understanding how different levels of exercise intensity influence HRV can provide valuable insights into the physiological responses to exercise and potential implications for cardiovascular health in young adults. The study will involve recruiting a sample of young adult participants and assessing their HRV at rest and following controlled exercise sessions of varying intensities. Participants will be monitored using heart rate monitors and HRV analysis software to capture real-time data on heart rate patterns and variability. The exercise sessions will be designed to elicit different levels of intensity, ranging from low to moderate to high intensity, based on individual fitness levels and exertion levels. By analyzing the HRV data collected before, during, and after each exercise session, the research aims to investigate how exercise intensity affects autonomic nervous system regulation and cardiovascular responses in young adults. The study will also explore potential correlations between HRV metrics and subjective ratings of perceived exertion during exercise to gain a comprehensive understanding of the physiological responses to varying intensities of physical activity. The findings from this research project have the potential to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on exercise physiology and cardiovascular health, particularly in the context of young adults. Understanding the impact of exercise intensity on HRV can inform exercise prescription guidelines, training programs, and preventive strategies for promoting cardiovascular health and overall well-being in this demographic group. Overall, this research project seeks to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between exercise intensity, heart rate variability, and autonomic nervous system function in young adults, with implications for optimizing exercise protocols and promoting cardiovascular health in this population.