Heart Rate Variability: a Follow-up in Elite Soccer Players Throughout the Season

J. Naranjo; B. De la Cruz; E. Sarabia; M. De Hoyo; S. Domínguez-Cobo

doi:10.1055/s-0035-1550047

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2015; 36(11): 881-886
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1550047

Physiology & Biochemistry

Heart Rate Variability: a Follow-up in Elite Soccer Players Throughout the Season

Authors

J. Naranjo

¹Sports and Computing, University of Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
B. De la Cruz

²Physical Therapy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
E. Sarabia

³Sport Department, CEU Cardenal Spínola University, Seville, Spain
M. De Hoyo

⁴Physical Education and Sport, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

⁵Fitness Section, Sevilla Football Club, Seville, Spain
S. Domínguez-Cobo

⁵Fitness Section, Sevilla Football Club, Seville, Spain

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) can provide useful information on physiological adaptations to training, but its role is unknown in professional soccer. The aim of this study was to determine an HRV profile in professional soccer over a season. A total of 504 records were made of the heart beat signal throughout a season from 22 professional soccer players. HRV was recorded in a sitting position, early morning and fasting for a period of 10 min. Standard deviation 1 and 2 (SD1, SD2), standard deviation of normal to normal R-R intervals (SDNN), Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences (rMSSD), percentage of RR intervals > 50 ms (pNN50), Sample Entropy (SampEn), Stress Score (SS) and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio (S/PS ratio) were calculated. SDNN, rMSSD, pNN50, SD1 and SD2 showed an identical behaviour throughout the season, with lower values in the pre-season and the end of the season. SS and S/PS ratio indicated a sympathetic stress alert in the same periods. A weekly recording of the HRV over a 10 min period that includes a Poincaré plot with SS and S/PS ratio and at least one variable of the time domain is a useful tool for the follow-up of the individual assimilation of weekly workloads, including the game.

Key words

heart rate variability - professional soccer player - stress score - sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio

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References

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