Effects of exercise training on sleep quality and heart rate variability in middle-aged and older adults with poor sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Study Objectives: We aimed (1) to investigate the effect of a 12-week exercise training on sleep quality and heart rate variability in middle-aged and older adults with poor sleep quality and (2) to examine the factors associated with the improvements in sleep quality and heart rate variability parameters. Methods: Forty adults aged ≥ 40 years with poor sleep quality (mean age = 62 years; 82.5% female) participated in this study. They were randomized into the exercise group or control group. Each exercise training program consisted of 40 minutes of supervised aerobic exercise training and 10 minutes of stretching class, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included both subjective (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and objective (actigraphy recordings) sleep quality assessments, a cardiopulmonary exercise test, and heart rate variability assessment. Results: The exercise group showed significant improvements in the global score (P =.003), on all subscales of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P