Changes in Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Children Following 4 and 8 Weeks of Supervised Summer Activity

Background: Pediatric obesity is associated with lower physical activity levels and a decrease in cardiac autonomic modulation. Physical activity contributes cardiovascular improvements via increases in heart rate variability. However involvement in regular physical activity decreases during summer vacation for adolescent children. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness four and eight weeks of supervised summer play-based activity versus eight weeks of unsupervised activity in adolescent children during summer vacation on resting heart rate variability (HRV). Methods: Twenty-two 8 to 12 year-old children were divided into 4 wk and 8 wk activity or control groups. 4 wk and 8 wk treatment groups met 5 days per week, took part in play-based activities for 6 hours each day. Control subjects were instructed to maintain their regular summer break plans with no intervention by the study team. Results: Total power (TP) increased at rest and with tilt following 8 weeks of activity. The significant differences between the 8 wk activity group and the control group supported the idea that routine play-based activity can increase heart rate variability positively and enhance sympathovagal balance in children over summer vacation.