Effect of Overload and Tapering on Individual Heart Rate Variability, Stress Tolerance, and Intermittent Running Performance in Soccer Players During a Preseason

Abstract

Figueiredo, DH, Figueiredo, DH, Moreira, A, Gonçalves, HR, and Stanganelli, LCR. Effect of overload and tapering on individual heart rate variability, stress tolerance, and intermittent running performance in soccer players during a preseason. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1222–1231, 2019—This study evaluates the weekly natural log of the root-mean-square difference of successive R-R intervals (lnRMSSDmean), its coefficient of variation (lnRMSSDcv), training load (TL), stress tolerance (ST), and changes in intermittent running performance in response to a 2-week overload (OL) followed by a 1-week taper (TP) during a preseason. Additionally, we determined the relationships between these variables. Ultra-short lnRMSSD, psychometric responses, and ratings of perceived exertion were evaluated daily among 16 under-19 soccer players. At the end of each training phase, the athletes performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo). Group analysis showed a decrease in lnRMSSDmean and ST, increases in lnRMSSDcv, and decreases in the Yo-Yo during OL, with a return to baseline levels and a trivial increase in the Yo-Yo during TP. Small to very large correlations were found between lnRMSSDmean and lnRMSSDcv values, with changes in Yo-Yo, TL, monotony, and strain during the preseason (r values ranging from −0.27 to 0.82). No correlation was found between lnRMSSD responses and ST. During OL, athletes with decreases in lnRMSSDmean and increases in lnRMSSDcv accumulated higher perceived TL, with higher monotony and overall stress, and presented a decrease in ST and intermittent running performance, interpreted as a negative adaptation in response to the maintenance of higher TL. During TP, these responses were reversed, leading to an increase in intermittent running performance. In addition, subjective measures of ST may be used to provide early indicators of training adaptation in soccer players.

Effect of Physiotherapy Treatment in the Autonomic Activation and Pain Perception in Male Patients with Non-Specific Subacute Low Back Pain

“…Concerning the sensibility of the measures, all the HRV parameters evaluated in this study showed a high sensibility to monitor autonomic modifications. This results differed partially with another previous studies, since depending on the context and population evaluated, different sensibility of HRV variables were found [38,42,[46][47][48].…”

“…A recent systematic review from Bustamante et al [54] focused on the effects of stress in the military population and the consequences for their autonomic balance, enhancing the necessity for finding coping strategies [55][56][57]. Other authors have also explored autonomic balance in several sports [47,[58][59][60][61][62][63][64], enhancing the importance of PNS activation in performance. These populations could potentially benefit from physiotherapy interventions according with our results.…”

An Approach to the Fatigue in Young Soccer Players Resulting from Sided Games

“…In addition, to calculate the session rating perceived exertion load (sRPEL), each score was multiplied by the duration of each SG, that is, 24 min for all the SG formats [22]. Moreover, (a) training monotony (the mean internal training load, measured as the sRPE across each SG divided by the standard deviation (SD)) and (b) training strain (the sum of the internal training loads measured by sRPE across each SG multiplied by the training monotony) were calculated [23]. The players became fully accustomed to the PE procedures during the competitive season.…”

Performance and Training Load Profiles in Recreational Male Trail Runners: Analyzing Their Interactions during Competitions

“…For this effect to succeed, the training must be planned with great precision to involve phases of overload (e.g., high volumes, great intensity, and diversity of exercises) [18]. A tapering phase-marked by a reduction in load volume, but with sustained frequency and intensity-is used in many sports to incorporate more specific exercises [17,19]. In the tapering phase, athletes and coaches must pay special attention to the balance between the training volume and the length of the phase to ensure that the best performance coincides with the competition's time [20].…”