Benefits of Exercise on Heart Disease - Essay Example

Benefits of Exercise on Heart Disease Critical Analysis of the Research Study ‘Cardiovascular effects of strenuous exercise in adult recreational hockey: The Hockey Study.’ Sanita Atwal, Jack Porter, Paul MacDonald (2002) Research over several years, has proved the benefits of exercise for many conditions, in particular cardiac and other associated risks, such as hypertension, stroke and coronary artery disease. This essay will examine a study that looked at strenuous exercise, in order to support the belief that mild to moderate exercise is the most beneficial for heart health. Introduction: The research was carried out by medically qualified experts in the fields of cardiology and human kinetics, in 2000, in Nova Scotia, Canada, using 113 male subjects over 35 years of age. Because the researchers had “experience in treating men with few cardiac risk factors who experienced myocardial infarction during or shortly after participating in recreational hockey”, Atwal, Porter and MacDonald (2002), they considered that risks might exist in such intensive exercise. No other such studies had been carried out, so their objective was to identify risk factors and cardiac abnormalities. Health impacts of vigorous, strenuous exercise included stress on the heart, raised blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and, in the case of competitive sports like hockey, could result in a heart attack. This suggested that moderate exercise would be less of a risk and so, more beneficial. The experience and credentials of the researchers gave credibility to their hypothesis. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data was obtained from the volunteer hockey players, using a general health questionnaire, laboratory tests and electric heart monitors during games. The findings could be applied to other areas of intensive exercise, as detail provided would allow for replication, with all processes fully described. Table 1 (p.304) showed that over 50% had elevated total cholesterol, and 36.3% had a family history of heart disease, so strenuous exercise was not the best option for those with these health factors. “ Not all volunteers completed the general questionnaire or underwent baseline testing” Atwal et al (2002), which could have uncovered relevant confounding variables. Difficulties arose in the use of monitors, as some became detached, but were used in later games to obtain the necessary data for analysis. Observed heart rates (HR_) were studied to see how these exceeded target heart rate (THR_) and age predicted HR_, and to determine how long the faster HR_ continued one minute after exercise, as well as other abnormalities in heart action. The thorough analysis, explained in the results, supported the researchers’ belief that strenuous exercise posed risks. They had stated earlier that “mild to moderate exercise….is associated with better fitness and fewer cardiac events” Atwal et al, p.303), and the findings proved this to be the case. Results: Though the 113 volunteers, with a mean age of 42.7 years, had cardiac risk factors and lower total cholesterol than the general population, as shown in Tables 1 and 2, all the players, after games, had heart rates that exceeded target and maximum HR_, and heart rate recovery was poor. This was illustrated in the graph at Fig. 1 (p. 305); all the subjects exceeded target and age predicted rates. So despite the amount of exercise taken weekly by the players, the type of exercise appeared to be less beneficial. When moderate exercise such as walking for 45 minutes per day, or jogging for 20 minutes, is used, less strain is put on the heart, levels of HDL (good cholesterol) are raised, while the heart muscle is strengthened and the resting HR_ is slowed. All such factors would reduce the risk of cardiac events. It was also found that 19 players suffered tachycardia and ventricular abnormalities and were given additional stress tests that eventually produced normal results. But the findings in this study proved the hypothesis of the potential risks of strenuous exercise. The physiological and psychological effects of competitive sport, as in high adrenaline, excitement, testosterone, mental states of euphoria or depression could all be potential contributory factors to heart rates, once again pointing out the possibility of risks involved in this type of exercise, which are not present in moderate forms. Discussion and Conclusion: This section was pertinent to the study’s objectives, as the researchers stated that “the hockey players’ heart rate was consistently above 85% to 100% of age predicted heart rate; this finding suggests that the intensity of the exercise would increase participants risk.” Atwal et al (2002). Other research was presented that put the significance of their research into perspective. They also honestly reported some limitations, i.e. “small sample size…lack of a control group…not prespecified or objectively measured, such as limited warm-up and rest periods” Atwal et al (2002). However, the original hypothesis around the increased risk of cardiac events was proved, as effects on the hockey players demonstrated. Information from the American College of Sports Medicine supported the findings: “Higher intensity exercise is associated with greater cardio vascular risk…..Regular exercise seems to diminish this risk.” Though there were no recommendations for further research made, nor were there any descriptions of the types or impact of moderate exercise, the research implied that the benefits of light to moderate exercise outweighed participation in strenuous exercise, despite the fact that they observed no adverse events. But the overall effects of strenuous competitive exercise were definitely proved to be a risk factor for those involved in this study. Because of the results, it would be more sensible, healthy and beneficial for most people to engage in light to moderate exercise. Competitive or recreational team sports may be dangerous for some, but the benefits of walking, jogging, playing golf, gardening, even Yoga or Tai Chi, have all been studied and proved to assist in heart diseases and associated conditions, both in aiding recovery and reducing risks. In addition, moderate exercise such as walking, or jogging would help to reduce weight and help combat obesity, as well as strengthening bone and building muscle. Though the study examined here did not go into such detail, there is little doubt that the finding support the idea that, with careful medical supervision when indicated, every one can benefit from some form of light to moderate exercise, but should take care about partaking in strenuous activity. Reference List Atwal, S., Porter, J., and MacDonald, P. (2002) Cardiovascular effects of strenuous exercise in adult recreational hockey: The Hockey Heart Study. Canadian Medical Association Journal, Vol 166 (3), 303-306 Read More