Heart-rate variability and training-intensity distribution in elite rowers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Autonomic Function

Background:

• Elite endurance athletes often employ polarized training models.
• Limited field data exist on the relationship between training intensity distribution and autonomic balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between heart-rate variability (HRV) and training-intensity distribution in elite rowers.
• To determine if training intensity affects autonomic balance in athletes preparing for the Olympics.

Main Methods:

• Studied 9 elite rowers over 26 weeks leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games.
• Measured weekly averaged log-transformed square root of the mean sum of squared differences between R-R intervals (Ln rMSSD) as an HRV metric.
• Analyzed changes in total training time (TTT) and time spent below the first lactate threshold (LT(2)).

Main Results:

• Increased time spent in high-intensity zones (>LT(2)) showed a trend towards decreased parasympathetic activity (Ln rMSSD).
• Increased time spent in low-intensity zones (
• Time spent in the moderate-intensity zone (LT(1)-LT(2)) had a trivial effect on Ln rMSSD.

Conclusions:

• Findings support the polarized training model, indicating high-intensity training can suppress parasympathetic activity.
• Low-intensity training appears crucial for preserving and enhancing parasympathetic function.
• Periodized training incorporating sufficient low-intensity work may optimize athletic programming and recovery.