Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the influence of weekly training including a
competitive game on heart rate (HR) variability (HRV). Youth players (n=9, age 17–20
years) were monitored during daily supine rest (10 min) and standing (8 min), 5 times
over 8 days. Heart rate recordings were analysed for time domain, frequency (e. g.
low frequency [LF], high frequency [HF]) domain and non-linear measures of HRV and
compared using ANOVA or Friedman’s tests. Relationships between HRV and training workloads
were examined via Spearman rank rho (ρ) correlation coefficients. Prior to a game, mean HR was significantly increased and
remained elevated until 2 days post-game while parasympathetic modulations (HF) were
significantly reduced (p<0.05). The supine to standing change in HRV was significantly
reduced for up to 4 days post-game (LF/HF ratio, − 1.0±2.9 vs. − 3.0±1.9, p<0.05).
These results confirm that prior to a game, players exhibited reduced parasympathetic
and/or predominant sympathetic modulation with the game significantly reducing autonomic
responses to standing for up to the following 4 days. Identification of day to day
fluctuations in HRV may provide a helpful tool for monitoring player workload to maximise
training and game performance.
Key words
athlete - cardiac autonomic control - sport - performance - training workload
