HEART RATE VARIABILITY AS A MARKER OF MAXIMUM PHYSICAL LOAD IN PEOPLE WITH OBESITY

Abstract

Introduction. Heart rate variability (HRV) and the autonomic nervous system are essential indicators of assessing the body's functional state. Physical activity and obesity, which are current problems of modern society, affect these indicators, but research on the relationship between them is limited. Purpose: to determine the maximum level of physical activity in obese people in the preoperative period. Materials and methods. A group of obese individuals who were scheduled for weight loss surgery were involved. The participants performed special tests and physical exercises that allowed them to determine their maximum level of physical exertion. Using a step test, which included walk-up stairs to complete exhaustion, indicators of heart rate variability, heart rate, and recovery time after exercise were recorded. Results. Based on the analysis of the obtained data, it was established that overweight patients can tolerate a high level of physical exertion without significant changes in heart rate variability and blood pressure. At the same time, in obese patients, there is a decrease in exercise tolerance and heart rate variability, which requires introducing a safe level of physical activity into preoperative preparation with monitoring of the patient's general well-being. Conclusion. Obese people are characterized by a low level of physical activity, which complicates preoperative preparation and prolongs its duration