Heart rate variability and pre-competitive anxiety in BMX discipline

Abstract

Altered neural mechanisms implying autonomic functioning have been described related to anxiety. Pre-competitive stress may be considered as an anxiety-state associated with disorders (i.e. somatic and cognitive alterations, and self-confidence worsening) that severely impair sport performance, conditioning short-lasting strength-related disciplines like BMX. From the psychological perspective, coaches use questionnaires like CSAI-2R to identify these alterations. However, with the emergence of psycho-physiological and non-linear approaches, recent studies suggest that HRV analysis provides a non-invasive tool to assess them. Hence, our purpose was to analyze how BMX competition affects subjective perception of anxiety, and if this emotional alteration is reflected in HR dynamics, analyzed both linear and nonlinearly, exploring the evolution of this relationship in a 2-day competition. Eleven male athletes from the BMX Spanish National Team were assessed from baseline HRV the morning of a training session (rT) and on two successive days of competition (rC1 and rC2), repeating HRV recording with CSAI-2R 20 min prior to training (aT) and competition (pre-competitive: aC1 and aC2). Repeated measures MANOVA showed significant vagal slow-down responses in aC1 and aC2 comparing not only with aT, but also comparing with rT, rC1 and rC2, coinciding with significant greater scores for the somatic and cognitive anxiety (SA and CA) in aC1 and aC2 versus aT. Pearson analysis showed a large and positive correlation between α1 and SA in C1, and close to it between SampEn and CA in aC2; both were confirmed by Bland-Altman chart analysis. Our results confirm that HRV analysis provide a complementary tool to assess competitive pressure.

Monitoring training status with HR measures: do all roads lead to Rome?

“…The first is a decreased parasympathetic activity in relation the training load distribution as discussed above, that can be reinforced by a possible pre-competition stress (Mateo et al, 2012; Morales et al, 2013). This increased sympathetic activity is likely beneficial for performance, since it may allow the attainment of greater exercise intensity during competitions (increased “maximal sympathetic mobilization” during high-intensity efforts Hedelin et al, 2001; Pagani and Lucini, 2009; Laursen, 2010; Parouty et al, 2010).…”

Heart rate variability and soccer training: a case study

“…It may also have influenced the differences in HRV responses since psychological factors may induce HRV alterations (MATEO et al, 2012).. The younger player may have been more prone to be influenced by emotional challenges since it was his first professional championship.…”

Impact of a soccer match on the cardiac autonomic control of referees

“…For instance, Hynynen et al (2009) reported no significant HRV differences between a control and a parachute jump day but an elevated HR before the jump for novice compared to experienced jumpers. More recently, Mateo et al (2011) found significant changes in HRV indices due to pre-competitive anxiety alterations before a bicycle motocross competition. Moreover, Pieper et al (2007) demonstrated a significant effect of workrelated worry on HR and HRV, independently of the stressrelated event.…”

“…Although studied to a lesser extent, the anticipatory effect of a stressful event on the cardiac autonomic control of HR (Hynynen et al 2009;Mateo et al 2011;Pieper et al 2007Pieper et al , 2010 could be also of considerable relevance for soccer referees. For instance, Hynynen et al (2009) reported no significant HRV differences between a control and a parachute jump day but an elevated HR before the jump for novice compared to experienced jumpers.…”