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Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice

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Published on: March 15, 2019

Parasympathetic modulation and running performance in distance runners.

Daniel A Boullosa¹, José L Tuimil, Anthony S Leicht

¹Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain. dboullosa@udc.es

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

|February 12, 2009

Summary

Greater parasympathetic modulation, indicated by basal heart rate (BHR) and heart rate recovery (HRR), is linked to enhanced running performance in distance runners. Coaches can use BHR and HRR to monitor training effectiveness.

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Area of Science:

Exercise Physiology
Cardiovascular Health
Sports Science

Background:

Parasympathetic modulation plays a crucial role in cardiovascular regulation during and after exercise.
Understanding the relationship between autonomic function and endurance performance is vital for optimizing training.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between basal heart rate (BHR), heart rate recovery (HRR), and running performance in well-trained distance runners.
To determine if parasympathetic modulation parameters correlate with maximal aerobic speed and endurance capacity.

Main Methods:

Twelve well-trained endurance runners completed the Université de Montréal Track Test (UMTT) to determine maximal aerobic speed (MAS).
Participants subsequently performed a maximal running time test at MAS.
Basal heart rate (BHR) and heart rate recovery (HRR) were measured post-exercise.

Main Results:

Significant negative correlation found between MAS and BHR (r = -0.845, p = 0.001).
Significant positive correlations observed between HRR (1-min and 2-min drops) and maximal running time (Tlim) (r = 0.617, p = 0.033 and r = 0.630, p = 0.028, respectively).
MAS was also significantly correlated with Tlim (r = 0.787, p = 0.002).

Conclusions:

Endurance training is associated with enhanced running performance and improved parasympathetic modulation.
BHR and HRR are valuable indicators of training status and performance in distance runners.
Coaches are advised to utilize HRR and BHR for monitoring training adaptations and optimizing endurance performance.