Heart Rate Variability and Perceived Recovery as Predictors of Performance in Athletes Competing in Sprint Events

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Performance Monitoring

Background:

• Investigates the relationship between physiological and subjective recovery markers and sprint performance.
• Examines potential gender-based differences in recovery-performance associations.
• Focuses on competitive athletes in sprint events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the association between heart rate variability (HRV) and perceived recovery status (PRS) with sprint performance.
• To explore potential gender-specific differences in these relationships.
• To assess the utility of daily recovery monitoring in sprint athletes.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-six sprint athletes (males and females) participated in a 5-day microcycle.
• Daily morning HRV (LnRMSSD) and PRS were recorded.
• Maximal 20m sprint tests were conducted daily, analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.

Main Results:

• A significant negative association was found between LnRMSSD and sprint time, indicating higher parasympathetic activity correlates with faster sprints.
• Perceived Recovery Status (PRS) also significantly predicted sprint performance negatively.
• Both physiological (HRV) and subjective (PRS) markers were significant predictors.

Conclusions:

• Daily recovery markers, including HRV and PRS, are significantly associated with sprint performance in competitive athletes.
• The findings highlight the importance of integrating both physiological and subjective recovery data for effective athlete monitoring.
• Potential gender-specific patterns warrant cautious interpretation but suggest individualized recovery strategies may be beneficial.