Heart rate deflection point relates to second ventilatory threshold in a tennis test

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Tennis Performance Analysis

Background:

• The heart rate deflection point (HRDP) and second ventilatory threshold (VT2) are established physiological markers.
• Previous research has primarily investigated these markers in continuous endurance sports.
• Their application in sport-specific intermittent tests, like those in tennis, remains less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between the HRDP and VT2 in a tennis-specific endurance test.
• To examine the correlation between maximal test performance and maximal oxygen uptake in this context.
• To determine the validity of HRDP as a marker for VT2 in elite tennis players.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-five high-level tennis players underwent a progressive, tennis-specific field test to exhaustion.
• Ventilatory gas exchange was continuously monitored using a portable telemetric system.
• HRDP was identified by a decline in the slope of the time/heart rate relationship.

Main Results:

• High correlations (r = 0.79–0.96) were found between physiological and performance variables at HRDP and VT2.
• The frequency of balls at HRDP (BallfHRDP) was 19.8 ± 1.7 shots/min.
• No significant differences in heart rate were observed between HRDP and VT2 intensities.
• Maximal test performance and maximal oxygen uptake showed a moderate correlation (r = 0.56).

Conclusions:

• The HRDP can reliably determine the VT2 in a tennis-specific endurance test.
• The BallfHRDP serves as a practical performance metric for prescribing aerobic training.
• This method allows for tailored on-court training intensity prescription near the VT2 for tennis players.