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Can HRV be used to evaluate training load in constant load exercises?

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Abstract

The overload principle of training states that training load (TL) must be sufficient to threaten the homeostasis of cells, tissues, organs, and/or body. However, there is no “golden standard” for TL measurement. The aim of this study was to examine if any post-exercise heart rate variability (HRV) indices could be used to evaluate TL in exercises with different intensities and durations. Thirteen endurance-trained males (35 ± 5 year) performed MODE (moderate intensity, 3 km at 60% of the maximal velocity of the graded maximal test (vVO2max)), HI (high intensity, 3 km at 85% vVO2max), and PRO (prolonged, 14 km at 60% vVO2max) exercises on a treadmill. HRV was analyzed with short-time Fourier-transform method during rest, exercise, and 15-min recovery. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate (BLa), and HFP120 (mean of 0–120 s post-exercise) described TL of these exercises similarly, being different for HI (P < 0.05) and PRO (P < 0.05) when compared with MODE. RPE and BLa also correlated negatively with HFP120 (r = −0.604, −0.401), LFP120 (−0.634, −0.601), and TP120 (−0.691, −0.569). HRV recovery dynamics were similar after each exercise, but the level of HRV was lower after HI than MODE. Increased intensity or duration of exercise decreased immediate HRV recovery, suggesting that post-exercise HRV may enable an objective evaluation of TL in field conditions. The first 2-min recovery seems to give enough information on HRV recovery for evaluating TL.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by grants from TEKES-National Technology Agency of Finland, Emil Aaltonen Foundation and Foundation of Sports Institute. The results of the present study do not constitute endorsement by ACSM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine, Tampere, Finland

    Piia Kaikkonen

  2. KIHU, Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland

    Esa Hynynen, Heikki Rusko & Ari Nummela

  3. MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Theresa Mann

  4. Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland

    Heikki Rusko

  5. Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, PO Box 30, 33501, Tampere, Finland

    Piia Kaikkonen

Authors
  1. Piia Kaikkonen
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  2. Esa Hynynen
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  3. Theresa Mann
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  4. Heikki Rusko
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  5. Ari Nummela
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Correspondence to Piia Kaikkonen.

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Communicated by Susan Ward.

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Kaikkonen, P., Hynynen, E., Mann, T. et al. Can HRV be used to evaluate training load in constant load exercises?. Eur J Appl Physiol 108, 435–442 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-1240-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-1240-1

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