Effect of individualized resistance training prescription with heart rate variability on individual muscle hypertrophy and strength responses

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate if resistance training (RT), performed with individualized recovery between sessions (RT-IND), promotes greater gains in strength and muscle mass and reduces the variability on adaptations compared to RT with fixed recovery intervals (RT-FIX). Twenty young men (age 21.9 ± 3.3 years) were randomized in the RT-IND and RT-FIX groups. Five days before the beginning of the training, measurements of the root mean square of successive R-R intervals differences (RMSSD) values of each individual were performed to establish the baseline values. Before each RT session, the RMSSD values determined whether the participants from RT-IND protocol were recovered from the previous session. Participants performed the RT session only if RMSSD values had returned to the baseline, otherwise they had to wait for an additional 24 h. RT-FIX performed an RT session every 48 h. Muscle strength was measured by one-maximal repetition (1-RM) test and muscle cross-section area (CSA) of the vastus laterals by ultrasonography were assessed pre-and post-training. 1-RM values increased significantly from pre to post-training for both groups (RT-IND: 30% and RT-FIX: 42%, main time effect, P < 0001), with no significant difference between groups. Muscle CSA increased significantly from pre to post-training (RT-IND: 15.7% and RT-FIX: 15.8%, main time effect, P < 0001), with no significant difference between groups. In conclusion, RT-IND did not increase the gains in muscle strength and mass neither reduce the variability in muscle adaptations when compared to the RT-FIX.

High-Intensity Functional Training Guided by Individualized Heart Rate Variability Results in Similar Health and Fitness Improvements as Predetermined Training with Less Effort

“…We observed no significant differences between groups on improvements in maximal squat, OH press, deadlift, and CrossFit total. The lack of observed group differences is similar to the findings of De Oliveira et al [13] on maximal strength in young resistancetrained men undergoing HRV-guided training. However, De Oliveria et al [13] used HRV to augment training frequency, while we used HRV to modulate training intensity.…”

“…Endurance training programs utilizing HRV-guided individualization improve VO2peak, peak power in runners [11], and 40 min time trial performance in cyclists [10]. Additionally, resistance training frequency can be increased when using HRV to determine recovery intervals [13].…”

Can Heart Rate Variability Determine Recovery Following Distinct Strength Loadings? A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

“…In contrast to Chen et al who reported that HRV, as a surrogate of autonomic nervous function, may accurately mirror recovery status following strength loadings in weightlifters [29], we can currently not support the use of HRV to accurately quantify recovery demands following distinct strength-loading patterns. Such a conclusion is in line with other recent findings showing no advantage in strength gains and muscle hypertrophy when strength training was performed with a predetermined protocol or program based on HRV recovery [30]. However, caution should be paid when interpreting our present findings as the low sample size somewhat limits the generalizability of our findings.…”

Heart Rate Variability, Neuromuscular and Perceptual Recovery Following Resistance Training

“…HRV is attractive to coaches because it is a non-invasive physiological marker that can be obtained in only a few minutes with inexpensive mobile applications [14]. HRV-guided RT may reduce the risk of overuse injuries [15] while producing comparable RT adaptations to standardized training in a shorter time-period (5 vs. 7 weeks) [16]. Though HRV and neuromuscular responses follow a similar time course for recovery from a single bout of RT at the group level, correlation analyses have not been performed [6,13].…”