Effects of HRV-Guided vs. Predetermined Block Training on Performance, HRV and Serum Hormones

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare heart rate variability -guided (HRVG) and predetermined (PD) block periodization of high intensity aerobic training (HIT). Endurance performance, neuromuscular performance, heart rate variability (HRV) and serum hormone concentrations were measured before, in the middle and after the 8-week training period in 24 endurance trained males. Both groups improved significantly maximal treadmill velocity (V) (p<0.001) and 3000 m running performance (HRVG; p<0.001 and PD; p=0.001). The relative changes in V and countermovement jump were significantly greater in HRVG (p<0.05). Nocturnal heart rate decreased in both groups (p<0.01), but HRV (RMSSD, LF and TP) increased significantly only in HRVG (p<0.05). The significant increase in serum testosterone concentration was observed from mid to post in HRVG (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between individual V changes and absolute serum testosterone levels. Individual baseline level of HF correlated significantly with V changes in PD. Block periodization of HIT seems to be an effective way to improve endurance and running performance in already endurance trained males. Based on training induced increases in endurance and neuromuscular performance combined with significant changes in HRV and serum testosterone levels observed in HRVG, individually HRV -guided block training may be more optimal compared to predetermined training.

Training Prescription Guided by Heart-Rate Variability in Cycling

“…However, the magnitude of change for both groups (table 3) showed a most likely beneficial result for HRV-G and very likely beneficial result for TRAD. These results were in line with those reported by the literature, 5,20,35 showing greater effects for HRV-G ( Figure 5). In addition, that the percentage of cyclists who improved WVT2 was 89% for HRV-G and 63% for TRAD.…”

“…Furthermore, HRV-G presents a greater magnitude of change than TRAD (Table 3). These results are in accordance with other studies 5,20,35 which found similar increases in maximal aerobic velocity when applying the training guided by HRV in middle-distance running, like road cycling an endurance sport with similar demands. It has been suggested that high intensity training could improve PPO.…”

“…34 VO2max did not change in either group and presents unlikely beneficial effects. The results differ from some studies reporting beneficial changes in VO2max for the HRV-G. 5,20 However, these studies were performed with untrained 20 and recreational runners 5,35 and VO2max is more susceptible to change due to the adaptation to training in this population. Thus, the differences in the results could be as a consequence of the participant's high performance level because the trainability of this parameter is limited in well-trained and elite endurance athletes.…”

Effects of whole‐body vibration on heart rate variability: acute responses and training adaptations

“…HRV has also been used for the evaluation of exercise load (Buchheit & Gindre, 2006) as well as the diagnosis of overreaching and overtraining (Plews et al, 2012). The use of HRV for adjusting daily aerobic training prescription can improve cardiorespiratory fitness compared to no improvements after predefined training (Nuuttila et al, 2017).…”

Quantification of match internal load and its relationship with physical fitness and recovery state of professional soccer athletes during the competitive period

“…the method reflects the state of the nervous system, which combines stress from different sources [21]. in principle, this method recognizes reactions of stress and recovery of the body through the intensity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activation.…”