Evaluating Heart Rate Variability as a Biomarker for Autonomic Function in Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation: A Clustering-Based Analysis of Exercise-Induced Changes

<i>Background</i>: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key biomarker reflecting autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and neurocardiac regulation. Reduced HRV has been associated with cardiovascular risk, neurodegenerative disorders, and autonomic dysfunction. In Parkinson's disease (PD), HRV impairments indicate altered autonomic balance, which may be modifiable through structured exercise interventions. This study investigates the effects of aerobic exercise on HRV in patients with PD and evaluates autonomic adaptations to rehabilitation. <i>Methods</i>: A total of 110 patients with PD (55 male, 55 female) participated in a supervised three-month aerobic exercise program. HRV was assessed pre- and post-intervention using electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings. Time-domain and frequency-domain HRV metrics, including standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR), very-low-frequency (VLF), low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF) power, and LF/HF ratio, were analyzed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and clustering techniques were applied to identify subgroups of HRV responders based on autonomic adaptation. <i>Results</i>: Significant improvements in HRV were observed post-intervention, with a reduction in LF/HF ratio (<i>p</i> < 0.05), indicating improved autonomic balance. Cluster analysis identified four distinct HRV response subgroups: Strong Responders, Moderate Responders, Mixed/Irregular Responders, and Low Responders. These findings highlight individual variability in autonomic adaptations to exercise. PCA revealed that key HRV parameters contribute differently to autonomic regulation, emphasizing the complexity of HRV changes in PD rehabilitation. <i>Conclusions</i>: This study demonstrates that aerobic exercise induces beneficial autonomic adaptations in PD patients, as reflected by HRV changes. The identification of response subgroups suggests the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies to optimize autonomic function. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term impact of HRV-guided rehabilitation interventions in PD management.