| Physiological Responses to Green Exercise: Investigating the Short-Term Effect of Mountain Hiking Activity on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Heart Rate Variability in Young Adults |
| Paper ID : 1377-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
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Mehdi Shabanli *, Younes Sarkabood Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran |
| Abstract |
| Background: Blood pressure is a key health indicator, influencing the risk of diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and depression. Heart rate varies based on factors including heredity, fitness level, type of exercise, skill, environment, and mood. Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic nervous system balance and is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health, as well as predicting sudden cardiac death. Green exercise, physical activity performed in natural environments, may influence these physiological markers. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of a mountain hiking program on blood pressure, heart rate, and HRV in young adults. Materials and Methods: Twenty students (10 women, 10 men) from Tehran University, aged 24.9±2.99 years, weight 64.1±9.87 kg, height 169.48±7.11 cm, and BMI 22.5±3.01 kg/m², participated. A hiking route was designed with marked waypoints. After anthropometric assessments, participants completed a 7-hour moderate-intensity hike with intermittent rest periods. Blood pressure, heart rate, and HRV were measured before and after hiking. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Results: After the hiking program, systolic (p=0.09) and diastolic (p=0.30) blood pressure decreased slightly. Heart rate increased significantly (p=0.02), while HRV decreased significantly (p=0.01). Conclusion: One-day mountain hiking increases heart rate, reduces HRV, and induces minimal changes in blood pressure. These findings emphasize the influence of activity duration, sustained sympathetic activation, hydration, electrolyte balance, and individual variability on cardiovascular responses during prolonged natural exercise. |
| Keywords |
| Keywords: blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, green exercise, mountain hiking |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
