title: A pilot study on quantification of training load: The use of HRV in training practice.
abstract: Recent laboratory studies have suggested that heart rate variability (HRV) may be an appropriate criterion for training load (TL) quantification. The aim of this study was to validate a novel HRV index that may be used to assess TL in field conditions. Eleven well-trained long-distance male runners performed four exercises of different duration and intensity. TL was evaluated using Foster and Banister methods. In addition, HRV measurements were performed 5 minutes before exercise and 5 and 30 minutes after exercise. We calculated HRV index (TLHRV) based on the ratio between HRV decrease during exercise and HRV increase during recovery. HRV decrease during exercise was strongly correlated with exercise intensity (R = -0.70; p < 0.01) but not with exercise duration or training volume. TLHRV index was correlated with Foster (R = 0.61; p = 0.01) and Banister (R = 0.57; p = 0.01) methods. This study confirms that HRV changes during exercise and recovery phase are affected by both intensity and physiological impact of the exercise. Since the TLHRV formula takes into account the disturbance and the return to homeostatic balance induced by exercise, this new method provides an objective and rational TL index. However, some simplification of the protocol measurement could be envisaged for field use.
authors: a CRIS, Center of Research and Innovation on Sport , University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 , France.|b Almerys , 46, rue du Ressort 63967 Clermont - Ferrand , France.
authors: Damien
authors: D
authors: Saboul
authors: a CRIS, Center of Research and Innovation on Sport , University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 , France.
authors: Pascal
authors: P
authors: Balducci
authors: c ISSUL, Institute of Sport Sciences , University of Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland.
authors: Grégoire
authors: G
authors: Millet
authors: a CRIS, Center of Research and Innovation on Sport , University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 , France.
authors: Vincent
authors: V
authors: Pialoux
authors: a CRIS, Center of Research and Innovation on Sport , University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 , France.
authors: Christophe
authors: C
authors: Hautier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005221:Fatigue; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects
keywords: Heart rate variability; athletes; autonomic nervous system; fatigue; monitoring