Effects of eight weeks traditional archery training on heart rate variability among sedentary youth

Heart rate variability (HRV) provides information of cardiac autonomic control which indicates the interaction of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks traditional archery training on heart rate variability among sedentary lifestyle youth. Thirty-four inactive male (performed <150 minutes moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/week) were randomly assigned into two groups; traditional archery (n = 17) and control (n = 17) groups. An intervention group involved in three days weekly of traditional archery programme for eight weeks. In contrast, a control group requested to continue their regular physical activities. Measurement of HRV were assessed using baroreflex testing (15 seconds blow activities against 40mmHg sphygmomanometer followed by 15 seconds rest). Paired T-test was employed to investigate the effects of eight weeks intervention programme. Through eight weeks, the LF/HF ratio for the intervention group showed significant improvement (p < 0.05). No significant difference was reported for control group (p > 0.05). In other hand, both groups showed non-significant difference on SDNN value after eight weeks of intervention (p > 0.05). However, the traditional archery group has showed an improvement of SDNN value meanwhile control group was declined. Eight weeks of traditional archery training programme was effective improving heart rate variability among sedentary lifestyle youth. Therefore, traditional archery could be proposed as one of the possible methods to combat poor cardiac autonomic function following sedentary lifestyle.