Heart Rate Variability Changes From Traditional vs. Ultra–Short-Term Recordings in Relation to Preseason Training Load and Performance in Futsal Players

Abstract

Nakamura, FY, Antunes, P, Nunes, C, Costa, JA, Esco, MR, and Travassos, B. Heart rate variability changes from traditional vs. ultra–short-term recordings in relation to preseason training load and performance in futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2974–2981, 2020—The aims of this study were to analyze heart rate variability (HRV) changes in futsal players during preseason training using both “criterion” (10-minute) and ultra-shortened (2-minute) measures, and to determine whether they were related to changes in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) performance and accumulated training load (TL). Eleven male competitive futsal players (age = 25.19 ± 4.70 years; body mass = 73.15 ± 11.70 kg; and height = 176.90 ± 5.01 cm) volunteered for the study. Data collection took place during the first to the fourth weeks of preseason training. Training load was monitored with session ratings of perceived exertion. The total distance (TD) covered during the Yo-Yo IR1 was recorded during week 1 and week 4. Heart rate variability was measured through the log-transformed root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences using the ultra-short analysis, with its weekly mean (lnRMSSDM) and coefficient of variation (lnRMSSDCV) recorded, and by means of the criterion method (weeks 1 and 4). lnRMSSDM was likely higher at week 4 compared with week 1 using both criterion and ultra-short recordings. Moderate-to-large correlations were found between changes in the lnRMSSDM and lnRMSSDCV values and changes in TL and TD (r values ranged from −0.48 to 0.65). Changes in ultra-short HRV measures (i.e., increase in lnRMSSDM and decrease in lnRMSSDCV) during futsal preseason were associated with increased performance. The players who accumulated higher perceived TLs displayed smaller improvements in the Yo-Yo IR1 performance and HRV.

Ultra-Short-Term and Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Recording during Training Camps and an International Tournament in U-20 National Futsal Players

“…The paradoxical relationship between LnRMSSD mean and LnRMSSD cv provides a true measurement of autonomic adaptation to sports training and avoids the misinterpretation of daily fluctuation of vagal-related changes and psychometric status [44]. Nakamura et al [37] recently reported that increase in ultra-short-term records of LnRMSSD mean and decrease in LnRSSMD cv were associated with improving performance of Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test after 4 weeks preseason training in Portuguese professional futsal players. Nakamura et al recorded the LnRMSSD 3 times per week, whilst our study recorded daily morning of resting LnRMSSD through the training camps.…”

“…Descriptive data of the measured variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and 90% confidence intervals (90% CI). The intra-subject coefficient of variation of LnRMSSD during each study period was used to calculate the LnRMSSD cv [37]. Between training camps/tournament differences of ultra-short-term and short-term LnRMSSD were analyzed by using the standardized differences of the effect size (ES).…”

“…Between training camps/tournament differences of ultra-short-term and short-term LnRMSSD were analyzed by using the standardized differences of the effect size (ES). The level of ES was interpreted as trivial (0.0-0.2), small (0.2-0.6), moderate (0.6-1.2), large (1.2-2.0), very large (> 2.0) [37]. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with two-way random model and single measure was used to determine relative values of reliability.…”

Intra-individual variability of sleep and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity in elite female soccer players during an international tournament

“…Vagal indices of HRV, such as the logarithm of the root mean square of successive R-R interval differences (lnRMSSD), reflecting cardiac parasympathetic modulation, are sensitive to fatigue and have been useful in evaluating individual training adaptation in soccer players [32, 33]. Furthermore, the weekly (4-7 days) CV of lnRMSSD (lnRMSSD CV ) may provide valuable information concerning training-induced perturbations in homeostasis, i.e., can reflect the day-to-day variations in cardiac parasympathetic activity [32, 34, 35]. In general, athletes with a lower lnRMSSD CV are more aerobically fit and seem to cope better with training and match loads [36–38].…”

Heart Rate Variability in College Football Players throughout Preseason Camp in the Heat

“…Markers of cardiac-autonomic function such as resting heart rate (RHR) and its variability (HRV) are objective, non-invasive physiological markers that can be easily obtained with mobile devices [11], and represent convenient indicators of cardiovascular recovery status [12]. Athletes who demonstrate progressive increases in HRV throughout preseason training in other football codes generally exhibit positive adaptations such as a reduced HRex and increased aerobic fitness [13][14][15][16]. However, excessive loads during training camps may lead to overreaching, causing decrements in HRV, baroreceptor sensitivity, subjective wellbeing, and performance capacity [17].…”