Monitoring endurance running performance using cardiac parasympathetic function

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to (1) assess relationships between running performance and parasympathetic function both at rest and following exercise, and (2) examine changes in heart rate (HR)-derived indices throughout an 8-week period training program in runners. In 14 moderately trained runners (36 +/- 7 years), resting vagal-related HR variability (HRV) indices were measured daily, while exercise HR and post-exercise HR recovery (HRR) and HRV indices were measured fortnightly. Maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and 10 km running performance were assessed before and after the training intervention. Correlations (r > 0.60, P < 0.01) were observed between changes in vagal-related indices and changes in MAS and 10 km running time. Exercise HR decreased progressively during the training period (P < 0.01). In the 11 subjects who lowered their 10 km running time >0.5% (responders), resting vagal-related indices showed a progressively increasing trend (time effect P = 0.03) and qualitative indications of possibly and likely higher values during week 7 [+7% (90% CI -3.7;17.0)] and week 9 [+10% (90% CI -1.5;23)] compared with pre-training values, respectively. Post-exercise HRV showed similar changes, despite less pronounced between-group differences. HRR showed a relatively early possible decrease at week 3 [-20% (90% CI -42;10)], with only slight reductions near the end of the program. The results illustrate the potential of resting, exercise and post-exercise HR measurements for both assessing and predicting the impact of aerobic training on endurance running performance.

Heart rate variability is related to training load variables in interval running exercises

“…Similar results to Nummela et al (2010) were found by Buchheit et al (2010) who studied the relationship between endurance performance and HRV by investigating the effects of an 8-week training period to HR-derived indices. They found increased resting vagal-related indices in those subjects who decreased their running time in a 10 km test run and were qualified as "responders" to the training program.…”

Stratification of the level of aerobic fitness based on heart rate variability parameters in adult males at rest

“…The result of the logistic regression model supported the hypothesis that CDR index adequately represents the parasympathetic control of the heart rate, and thus it could be applicable to estimate the positive adaptation to cardiorespiratory fitness (Buchheit et al, 2010;Bucheit & Ginder, 2006;De Meersman, 1996;Martinelli et al, 2005;Moreira et al, 2013;Plews et al, 2013;Yataco, Fleisher, & Katzel, 1997), or the autonomic control of post-exercise heart rate (Martinelli et al, 2005;Moreira et al, 2013;Plews et al, 2013) and the increasing vagal activity (Trevizani, Belchimol-Barbosa, & Nadal, 2012). Therefore, it is possible to speculate that regular aerobic exercise, with enough intensity to cause further increase in VO2max could be evaluated by the CDR index.…”

“…Therefore, it is possible to speculate that regular aerobic exercise, with enough intensity to cause further increase in VO2max could be evaluated by the CDR index. This variable express changes in heart rate due to parasympathetic control (Buchheit et al, 2010;Bucheit & Ginder, 2006;Moreira et al, 2013), in agreement with the higher chance showed by CDR index through odds ratio analysis. However, CAR index did not present statistical differences because this is related to the sympathetic control of the heart rate, and not associated with physical fitness (Bauer et al, 2006;Nasario-Junior et al, 2015a).…”

“…Although both groups contained healthy participants with HRV parameters in the normal range, HG participants presented significant lower resting heart rate. Previous studies have been conducted regarding the mechanisms responsible for the resting bradycardia in high aerobic fitness participants (Buchheit et al, 2010;Plews et al, 2013;Sullo et al, 2003). Changes in the intrinsic mechanisms acting on the sinus node and changes in the autonomic nervous system control of the heart have been reported to contribute to chronic effect of cardiorespiratory training (Carter, Banister, & Blaber, 2003).…”

Efeitos do uso da máscara para análise de gases sobre variáveis fisiológicas e perceptuais máximas e submáximas durante um teste incremental

“…20 e maximum aerobic velocity (MAV) predicts running performance of middle and long distance athletes [1][2] . Moreover, it can be used in the control and prescription of exercise training 3 . e MAV represents the minimum velocity associated with the maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2max ) 1 and, it is an indicative of the individual aerobic power.…”