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Pre‐ and post‐season heart rate variability in adolescent cross‐country skiers
Author(s) -
Hedelin R.,
Wiklund U.,
Bjerle P.,
HenrikssonLarsén K.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0838.2000.010005298.x
Subject(s) - heart rate variability , heart rate , medicine , cardiology , treadmill , physical therapy , blood pressure
To investigate the effects on cardiac autonomic control after a competitive cross‐country skiing season, 9 females and 8 males, 16–19 years old, performed tilt‐table heart rate variability (HRV) recordings and incremental treadmill tests before (August), and after (April the following year) the most intensive period of training and competition. Spectral analysis of HRV showed increased total variability at rest and reduced low frequency variability in the tilted position (LF tilt ) at the second test ( P <0.05). The female subgroup showed consistently higher high frequency (HF) and total heart rate variability than males. Total run time (RunT) increased from 18.5±1.9 min to 19.4±1.7 min (mean±SD) in the entire group ( P <0.05), while VO 2 max only showed a non‐significant increase (0.05< P <0.10). Submaximal heart rates (HR subm ) were reduced by an average of 4 beats ( P <0.01) but maximal HR was unchanged. Performance data suggest a positive training effect. Following training, the increased total HRV, the reduced LF tilt (both at rest), and the lower submaximal heart rates indicate an altered control of heart rate both at rest and during exercise. The consistently higher HF and total variability in the females indicate an increased parasympathetic activity in females compared with males.