Effects of Autogenic Training on Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate Recoveryin Japanese Obese/Overweight Male Workers

Objective: Obesity-induced autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is related to cardiac disease. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of autogenic training (AT), a therapeutic relaxation technique, cardiac ANS functions as evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) in subjects.Methods: Subjects 40 male workers (42.7 ± 8.8 years old, BMI 28.8 ± 3.3 kg/m2). The subjects randomly assigned to an intervention and a control group. Subjects of the intervention group required to perform the training procedures (first-third steps) for three months, while the control group participants waiting. Before and after intervention, HRV calculated using a 24 hr Holter ECG, and assessed by a treadmill test. In addition, Profile of Mood States (POMS), job stress and sleep conditions were assessed. Effects of intervention statistically examined using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).Results: For the HRV, the ratio of the Low Frequency to the High Frequency (LF/HF) during sleep was significantly reduced in the (-39.2% and -0.6%, respectively, p=0.009). HRR lengthened in the AT (5.2% and 0.6%, respectively, p=0.042). In addition, the Confusion-Bewilderment score in POMS was improved in the group. However, mediation analysis indicated that the Confusion-Bewilderment score not considered as a mediator between and ANS.Conclusions: A three month intervention improved cardiac ANS activities in Japanese obese/overweight men. These results suggest the beneficial effects of on obesity-related cardiovascular conditions.