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Int J Sports Med 2014; 35(06): 482-488
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1354385
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Change in Performance in Response to Training Load Adjustment Based on Autonomic Activity

M. Botek
1   Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Olomouc, Czech Republic
,
A. J. McKune
2   Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
,
J. Krejci
1   Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Olomouc, Czech Republic
,
P. Stejskal
1   Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Olomouc, Czech Republic
,
A. Gaba
1   Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Olomouc, Czech Republic
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 01 August 2013

Publication Date:
15 October 2013 (online)

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Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to assess performance (Perf) changes in response to a new training strategy. Specifically, based on spectral analysis of heart rate variability (SA HRV) to determine autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, training doses were adjusted to maintain vagal activity at a high and relatively stable level during training preparation. Trained athletes (5 male and 5 female) aged 23.2±4.2 years voluntarily participated in the study. ANS activity was assessed during an orthoclinostatic test, and was represented by calculating HRV variables and a total score index. Over 17 weeks, improvement (1.4–8.5%) and deterioration (0.1–8.8%) in Perf were detected in 7 and 3 athletes, respectively. A relationship (rs=0.684; P<0.05) between the change in Perf (ΔPerf) and supine PHF during season was found. Supine HRV indices (PHF, PT, and MSSD) for the last 3 weeks of the HRV-adjusting period correlated (rs=0.636; 0.648; 0.648, P<0.05) with ΔPerf. Based on the results, a high and relative stable vagal activity during preparation may indicate a readiness to train or appropriate recovery that positively affects Perf. In conclusion, daily quantification of ANS activity by SA HRV seems to be a promising tool for the enhancement of Perf.

Key words

heart rate variability - exercise - vagal activity - adaptability - athlete
 

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