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Heart rate variability, training variation and performance in elite swimmers
D Atlaoui1, V Pichot, L Lacoste
1Laboratory of Physiology, PPEH EA (3062), Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France. djamila.atlaoui@univ-st-etienne.fr
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 18, 2006
Summary
Heart rate variability (HRV) indices did not change significantly in elite swimmers after intense and reduced training periods. However, higher parasympathetic activity (HFnu) after reduced training was linked to better swimming performance and less fatigue.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Cardiology
- Physiology
Background:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive indicator of autonomic nervous system activity.
- Understanding HRV's relationship with training load and performance is crucial for optimizing athletic development.
- Previous research has explored HRV in athletes, but specific correlations with training variations and performance outcomes in elite swimmers require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and training variations in elite swimmers.
- To assess the correlation between HRV indices and athletic performance during official competitions.
- To measure urinary catecholamine excretion to validate HRV as an indicator of sympathetic activity during training.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen elite swimmers (4 female, 9 male) underwent 4 weeks of intense training (IT) followed by 3 weeks of reduced training (RT).
- HRV was analyzed using spectral analysis of RR intervals before and after each training period.
- Swimmers' performances were measured as a percentage of their previous season's best, and fatigue was assessed using a total fatigue score.
Main Results:
- HRV indices showed no significant changes between the intense and reduced training periods.
- High-frequency normalized units (HFnu), an indicator of parasympathetic activity, positively correlated with performance (r=0.81, p<0.01) and negatively with fatigue (r=-0.63, p<0.03) after reduced training.
- Sympathetic activity indices (LFnu and LF/HF ratio) were inversely related to performance (r=-0.81, p<0.01).
Conclusions:
- While overall HRV indices remained stable, parasympathetic activity (HFnu) emerged as a key predictor of improved swimming performance following a period of reduced training (tapering).
- Elevated baseline parasympathetic activity may facilitate performance enhancement during the tapering phase.
- HRV monitoring, particularly HFnu, can provide valuable insights into an elite swimmer's readiness and recovery status.
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