Early Improvement in Cardiac Autonomic Modulation After a Recreational Physical Training Program in Healthy Children
By
Livia Victorino de Souza
Maria Eduarda de Araújo Almeida Muniz
Danilo Rufino Cavalcante de Souza
Franciele de Meneck
Roberta da Silva Teixeira
Evelim Leal de Freitas Dantas Gomes
Leonardo Barbosa de Almeida
Paula Silva Carvalho Chagas
Maria do Carmo Pinho Franco
June 30, 2026
Objective: To investigate changes in cardiac autonomic modulation associated with a 10-week recreational physical training program in healthy children.
Approach: Study Design: Quasi-experimental, within-subject, pre–post intervention design.Participants: 100 healthy children aged 6 to 12 years participated after parental consent.Experimental Protocol: Assessments were conducted before and after the 10-week program, including HRV analysis.Key Findings: Cardiac autonomic modulation improved following the recreational exercise program. Participants showed favorable changes in heart rate variability (HRV) post-intervention. Interpretation: The study suggests that recreational physical training can enhance cardiac autonomic regulation in healthy children.
Limitations: The study lacked a sedentary control group. Findings may not be generalizable beyond the specific population studied. Conclusion: The study indicates that recreational exercise may influence cardiac autonomic function in healthy pediatric populations.
