Aging is accompanied by a functional impairment of cardiovascular regulatory systems, particularly the autonomic baroreflex control. This baroreflex control maintains stable blood pressure beat by beat, and its alteration is a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recently, the technique of cardiac-evoked potentials derived from electroencephalographic signals synchronized with electrocardiographic signals allows the study of cortical response to heartbeats and especially to the increase in blood pressure during systole. These cardiac-evoked potentials are considered to represent the unconscious integration of cardiac visceral afferents, particularly those of baroreflex origin. They have already shown their interaction with higher-level cognitive and emotional processes and could inform us about how the brain integrates these cardiovascular baroreflex-originated signals. In essence, it signifies the interaction between the cardiovascular system and the brain, and its alteration could be particularly pronounced in pathological aging. The aim of this thesis project is to characterize the degradation of this cortical response with aging and to study its prognostic value in the elderly.

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I completed my undergraduate studies in Physical Activity, Health, and Sport Sciences (STAPS-APAS) at the University of Nantes, where I acquired a solid foundation in various aspects of sports science, including physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology.

Following my undergraduate studies, I pursued a Master’s degree in Sport and Health Engineering at the University of La Reunion. During this program, I gained advanced knowledge and skills in the interdisciplinary field of sports engineering, with a focus on promoting health and well-being through physical activity interventions.

Currently, I am pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Reunion Island, in collaboration with the SAINBIOSE laboratory and the IRISSE laboratory. My research is centred around the exploration of heartbeat-evoked potentials, a neuroscientific method aimed at identifying the emergence of future risks of developing comorbidities related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

In summary, my academic journey has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of sports science and health engineering principles, and I am dedicated to furthering knowledge in these areas through my doctoral research.