The Use of Autonomic Modulation Device to Control Training Performance after High-Intensity Interval Training Program

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Autonomic Neuroscience

Background:

• Autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation is crucial for athletic performance.
• Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of ANS function and adaptation to training.
• High-intensity interval training (HIT) is a common training modality in swimming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 4-week high-intensity interval training (HIT) program on the autonomic response of trained swimmers.
• To analyze changes in heart rate variability (HRV) before and after the HIT intervention.

Main Methods:

• 14 trained swimmers (16.2 ± 2.6 years) participated in the study.
• HRV was measured in basal conditions and during a HIT session before and after a 4-week training period.
• The HIT protocol involved 16x25m sprints with 30s rest, combined with aerobic training three times per week.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of differences between adjacent NN intervals (SDSD), and the number of successive difference of intervals >50ms (NN50) was observed post-training (p < 0.05).
• These HRV changes suggest a shift towards increased parasympathetic nervous system activity.
• The findings indicate improved autonomic adaptation following the HIT intervention.

Conclusions:

• A 4-week HIT program effectively modulates the autonomic response in trained swimmers.
• The observed changes in HRV parameters signify enhanced parasympathetic dominance and improved autonomic adaptation.
• HIT can be a valuable training strategy for optimizing physiological responses in swimmers.