title: Change in performance in response to training load adjustment based on autonomic activity.
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.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Botek
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: McKune
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krejci
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stejskal
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gaba
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult