Psychophysiologic Stress, Exercise, & Autonomic Control

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of an aerobic exercise program versus a strength training program in altering RR interval and blood pressure variability as indices of autonomic nervous system regulation of the cardiovascular system. Subjects will be tested at rest and in response to challenge.

This study will enroll healthy, young (age 18-45) sedentary individuals at Columbia University Medical Center and St. John's University. At an initial screening visit, potential participants will be screened for exercise activity and will also undergo a test of aerobic capacity. Subjects will be eligible if they are not exercising regularly and do not exceed American Heart Association standards for average fitness (VO2max ≤ 43 and 37 ml/kg/min for men and women respectively). Exclusion criteria include current symptoms of affective disorder, psychosis, or substance abuse, current usage of psychotropic medication, and any medical condition that affected the autonomic nervous system or cardiovascular system.

Eligible participants will then be randomly assigned to 12 weeks of either an aerobic conditioning program or a strength training program. At study entry, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure will be measured; an ECG will be used to measure heart activity. Questionnaires will be completed to assess anger, tension, depression, and fatigue. Participants in the aerobic conditioning program will attend four 1-hour exercise sessions per week, which will focus on increasing cardiovascular fitness through running and other forms of aerobic exercise. The strength training program will also include four sessions per week, with the focus on increasing muscle endurance and strength. At the end of the 12-week programs, participants will begin a 4-week period of deconditioning, during which they will discontinue all exercise. Evaluations will be repeated at the end of the 12-week programs, and at the end of the 4-week deconditioning period.