Tag Archives: research

The effect of training status on HRV in D-1 collegiate swimmers

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When implementing HRV monitoring with a new team, the coach will be quick to point out the inter-individual variability in the athletes’ trends. Some athletes are showing high scores and some are low. Some are showing considerable daily fluctuation while others show very consistent numbers. Or, some show substantial fluctuation during this period but minimal fluctuation during that period. This can be confusing and difficult to interpret, but with some context, the trends (and changes therein) can usually be explained.

Greater fitness levels are associated with higher resting HRV and faster parasympathetic reactivation following exercise. This likely contributes to the smaller coefficient of variation  (CV) we (and others) have observed in athletes with higher VO2max and intermittent running performance. So if we were to categorize athletes of the same sport based on competitive level (i.e., training status), we should see group differences between their average lnRMSSD and CV. What makes our approach different from previous work is the longer observation period (1 month), the use of a finger sensor (PPG) and smartphone application using ultra-short HRV recordings for daily data acquisition and inclusion of the CV in the analysis. This was presented at the NSCA National Conference in New Orleans this July. Full manuscript in production soon.

THE EFFECT OF TRAINING STATUS ON HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN DIVISION-1 COLLEGIATE SWIMMERS

Andrew A. Flatt, Bjoern Hornikel, Michael R. Esco

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

Resting heart rate variability (HRV) fluctuates on a daily basis in response to physical and psychological stressors and may provide useful information pertaining to fatigue and adaptation. However, there is limited research comparing HRV profiles between athletes of the same sport who differ by training status. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare resting heart rate (RHR) parameters between national and conference level Division-1 Collegiate swimmers and to determine if any differences were related to psychometric indices. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects were categorized as national (NAT, n = 12, 4 female) or conference level competitors (CONF, n=12, 5 female). Over 4 weeks, daily HRV was measured in the seated position by the subjects after waking and elimination with a validated smartphone application and pulse-wave finger sensor (app)  utilizing a 55-second recording period. Subjects then completed a questionnaire on the app where they rated perceived levels of sleep quality, muscle soreness, mood, stress and fatigue on a 9-point scale. The HR parameters evaluated by the app include RHR and the log-transformed root-mean square of successive RR interval differences multiplied by 20 (lnRMSSD). The 4-week mean for RHR (RHRm) and lnRMSSD (lnRMSSDm) in addition to the coefficient of variation (CV) for RHR (RHRcv) and lnRMSSD (lnRMSSDcv) were determined for comparison. In addition, psychometric parameters were also averaged between groups and compared. Independent t-tests and effect sizes ± 90% confidence limits (ES± 90% CL) were used to compare the HR and psychometric parameters. RESULTS: NAT was moderately taller (184.9 ± 10.0 vs. 175.5 ± 12.5 cm; p = 0.06, ES ± 90% CL = 0.83 ± 0.70) and heavier (80.4 ± 9.7 vs. 75.2 ± 11.9 kg; p = 0.26, ES ± 90% CL = 0.48 ± 0.67) than CONF, though not statistically significant. The results comparing HR and psychometrics are displayed in Table 1. lnRMSSDm and lnRMSSDcv was moderately higher and lower, respectively, in NAT compared to CONF (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Higher training status is associated with moderately higher lnRMSSDm and lower lnRMSSDcv compared to those of lower training status. This was observed despite no significant difference in perceived stressors that may affect HR parameters. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Training status appears to be a determinant of daily HRV and its fluctuation. This may be because higher level athletes are more fit and recover faster from training, resulting in a more stable HRV pattern. This information can be useful to practitioners when interpreting HRV trends in athletes. For example, an increase in HRV with reduced daily fluctuation may indicate improvements in an athletes training status. Alternatively, an athlete with high training status demonstrating reduced HRV and greater daily fluctuation may be showing signs of fatigue or loss of fitness depending on the context of the current training phase and program.

table swim HRV comarison

This figure shows a year of data from two athletes (Olympic level on top vs. Conference level on bottom) to provide a nice visual representation of their trend differences. HRV trend swim comparison

New Study: Agreement between a smart-phone pulse sensor application and ECG for determining lnRMSSD

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Here’s a brief overview of our latest study, in press with JSCR.  We compared the ithlete finger sensor with ECG in supine, seated and standing positions. We are continuing our testing with other popular smartphone HRV apps in the near future. Thanks to the Summer 2015 Alabama S&C interns for making up a large portion of the participants in this study.

Full text link:

Agreement between a smart-phone pulse sensor application and ECG for determining lnRMSSD

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the agreement between a smartphone pulse finger sensor (SPFS) and electrocardiography (ECG) for determining ultra-short-term heart rate variability (HRV) in three different positions. Thirty college-aged men (n = 15) and women (n = 15) volunteered to participate in this study. Sixty second heart rate measures were simultaneously taken with the SPFS and ECG in supine, seated and standing positions. lnRMSSD was calculated from the SPFS and ECG. The lnRMSSD values were 81.5 ± 11.7 via ECG and 81.6 ± 11.3 via SPFS (p = 0.63, Cohen’s d = 0.01) in the supine position, 76.5 ± 8.2 via ECG and 77.5 ± 8.2 via SPFS (p = 0.007, Cohen’s d = 0.11) in the seated position, and 66.5 ± 9.2 via ECG and 67.8 ± 9.1 via SPFS (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.15) in the standing positions. The SPFS showed a possibly strong correlation to the ECG in all three positions (r values from 0.98 to 0.99). In addition, the limits of agreement (CE ± 1.98 SD) were -0.13 ± 2.83 for the supine values, -0.94± 3.47 for the seated values, and -1.37 ± 3.56 for the standing values. The results of the study suggest good agreement between the SPFS and ECG for measuring lnRMSSD in supine, seated, and standing positions. Though significant differences were noted between the two methods in the seated and standing positions, the effect sizes were trivial.

Full Text on Research Gate

FS EKG data

New Study: Intra- and inter-day reliability of ultra-short-term HRV in elite rugby union players

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Here’s a look at our latest study in collaboration with Fabio Nakamura and colleagues, now in press with JSCR (Abstract below). In this study, HRV was recorded as a team at the training facility, not immediately after waking. This is the approach that many coaches are interested in using given the issue with compliance when trying to get athletes to perform HRV measures on their own at home after waking. Controlled and supervised measures at the facility appear promising, at least in these high level athletes.

It’s important to understand that autonomic activity is constantly making adjustments to physical, chemical and perceived psychological stimuli. Thus, HRV is inherently not the most reliable metric. However, training status/fitness appear to have a strong affect on day to day variation in HRV. More fit athletes recover faster/tolerate training better and thus tend to show less deviation from baseline compared to less fit athletes, of which will experience much greater homeostatic disruption from training and greater day to day variation. I strongly believe that the amount of daily fluctuation (i.e., lnRMSSDcv) is a very useful indication of fitness, stress and training adaptation.

We currently have a paper in production looking at the effect of training status on HRV. In the mean time, compare the trends below of an Olympic level and a conference level athlete, both short-distance swimmers (similar age and physical characteristics) across 4 consecutive weeks of training.

lnrmssd compareIntra- and inter-day reliability of ultra-short-term heart rate variability in rugby union players.

The aim of this study was to examine the intra-day and inter-day reliability of ultra-short-term vagal-related heart rate variability (HRV) in elite rugby union players. Forty players from the Brazilian National Rugby Team volunteered to participate in this study. The natural log of the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (lnRMSSD) assessments were performed on four different days. HRV was assessed twice (intra-day reliability) on the first day and once per day on the following three days (inter-day reliability). The RR interval recordings were obtained from 2-min recordings using a portable heart rate monitor. The relative reliability of intra- and inter-day lnRMSSD measures were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The typical error of measurement (absolute reliability) of intra- and inter-day lnRMSSD assessments were analyzed using the coefficient of variation (CV). Both intra-day (ICC = 0.96; CV = 3.99%) and inter-day (ICC = 0.90; CV = 7.65%) measures were highly reliable. The ultra-short-term lnRMSSD is a consistent measure for evaluating elite rugby union players, in both intra- and inter-day settings. This study provides further validity to using this shortened method in practical field conditions with highly trained team sports athletes.

Full text on Research Gate

New Study: Individual HRV responses to preseason training in D-1 women’s soccer players

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Here’s a brief look at a new paper of ours in press with JSCR. This is a very small study that we submitted as “Research Note” that looked at changes in HRV (via finger pulse sensor) and training load (via Polar Team2) across preseason training in D-1 women’s soccer players.

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Individual HRV responses to preseason training in D-1 women’s soccer players

The purpose of this study was to track changes in training load (TL) and recovery status indicators throughout a 2-week preseason and to interpret the meaning of these changes on an individual basis among 8 Division-1 female soccer players. Weekly averages for heart ratevariability (lnRMSSD), TL and psychometrics were compared with effect sizes (ES) and magnitude based inferences. Relationships were determined with Pearson correlations. Group analysis showed a very likely moderate decrease for total training load (TTL) (TTL week 1 = 1203 ± 198, TTL week 2 = 977 ± 288; proportion = 1/2/97, ES = -0.93) and a likely small increase in lnRMSSD (week 1 = 74.2 ± 11.1, week 2 = 78.1 ± 10.5; proportion = 81/14/5, ES = 0.35). Fatigue demonstrated a very likely small improvement (week 1 = 5.03 ± 1.09, week 2 = 5.51 ± 1.00; proportion = 95/4/1; ES = 0.45) while the other psychometrics did not substantially change. A very large correlation was found between changes in TL and lnRMSSD (r = -0.85) while large correlations were found between lnRMSSD and perceived fatigue (r = 0.56) and soreness (r = 0.54). Individual analysis suggests that 2 subjects may benefit from decreased TL, 2 subjects may benefit from increased TL and 4 subjects may require no intervention based on their psychometric and lnRMSSD responses to the TL. Individual weekly changes in lnRMSSD varied among subjects and related strongly with individual changes in TL. Training intervention based on lnRMSSD and wellness responses may be useful for preventing the accumulation of fatigue in female soccer players.

FS_JSCR

Full Text on Research Gate

New Study: Monitoring weekly HRV in futsal players during the preseason

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Here’s a quick look at our latest collaboration with Dr. Fabio Nakamura and colleagues, published in J Sport Sci: Sci Med Football. This paper nicely demonstrates the inter-individual variation in HRV responses to training in team sports. An interesting finding was the large negative relationship between the weekly mean of lnRMSSD and the weekly CV of lnRMSSD. Essentially, the athletes with higher HRV tended to show smaller daily fluctuations in HRV and vice versa. This is likely an effect of higher fitness, which we (and others) have touched on in previous studies.
ABSTRACT

This study aimed to compare the weekly natural log of the root-mean-square difference of successive normal inter-beat (RR) intervals (ln RMSSDWeekly) and its coefficient of variation (ln RMSSDCV) in response to 5 weeks of preseason training in professional male futsal players. A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between ln RMSSDWeekly and ln RMSSDCV. The ln RMSSD is a measure of cardiac–vagal activity, and ln RMSSDCV represents the perturbations of cardiac autonomic homeostasis, which may be useful for assessing how athletes are coping with training. Ten futsal players had their resting ln RMSSD recorded prior to the first daily training session on four out of approximately five regular training days·week−1. Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) was quantified for all training sessions. Despite weekly sRPE varying between 3455 ± 300 and 5243 ± 463 arbitrary units (a.u.), the group changes in ln RMSSDWeekly were rated as unclear (using magnitude-based inference), although large inter-individual variability in ln RMSSD responses was observed. The ln RMSSDCV in weeks 4 and 5 were likely lower than the previous weeks. A large and significant negative correlation (r = −0.53; CI 90%: −0.36; −0.67) was found between ln RMSSD and ln RMSSDCV. Therefore, monitoring individual ln RMSSD responses is suggested since large inter-individual variations may exist in response to futsal training. In addition, higher values of ln RMSSD are associated with lower oscillations of cardiac autonomic activity.

HRV futsal Fig 1

Full Text on Research Gate

New Study: Interpreting daily HRV changes in female soccer players

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Here’s a quick look at our latest study published ahead of print in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. Below is the abstract and some brief comments about the findings.

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Interpreting daily heart rate variability changes in collegiate female soccer players

BACKGROUND: Heart rate variability (HRV) is an objective physiological marker that may be useful for monitoring training status in athletes. However, research aiming to interpret daily HRV changes in female athletes is limited. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess daily HRV (i.e., log-transformed root mean square of successive R-R interval differences, lnRMSSD) trends both as a team and intra-individually in response to varying training load (TL) and (2) to determine relationships between lnRMSSD fluctuation (coefficient of variation, lnRMSSDcv) and psychometric and fitness parameters in collegiate female soccer players (n=10).

METHODS: Ultra-short, Smartphone-derived lnRMSSD and psychometrics were evaluated daily throughout 2 consecutive weeks of high and low TL. After the training period, fitness parameters were assessed.

RESULTS: When compared to baseline, reductions in lnRMSSD ranged from unclear to very likely moderate during the high TL week (effect size ± 90% confidence limits [ES ± 90% CL] = -0.21 ± 0.74 to -0.64 ± 0.78, respectively) while lnRMSSD reductions were unclear during the low TL week (ES ± 90% CL = -0.03 ± 0.73 to -0.35 ± 0.75, respectively). A large difference in TL between weeks was observed (ES ± 90% CL = 1.37 ± 0.80). Higher lnRMSSDcv was associated with greater perceived fatigue and lower fitness (r [upper and lower 90% CL] = -0.55 [-0.84, -0.003] large, -0.65 [-0.89, -0.15] large).

CONCLUSIONS: Athletes with lower fitness or higher perceived fatigue demonstrated greater reductions in lnRMSSD throughout training. This information can be useful when interpreting individual lnRMSSD responses throughout training for managing player fatigue.

The idea of evaluating relationships between the coefficient of variation of lnRMSSD  (lnRMSSDcv) with fitness parameters was inspired by a 2010 paper by Martin Buchheit et al. In that study,  greater lnRMSSDcv derived from post-submaximal exercise recordings negatively correlated with maximum aerobic speed in youth soccer players. We had similar findings in our current paper where we observed large negative relationships between lnRMSSDcv (derived from waking, ultra-short smartphone  recordings) and VO2max and Yo-Yo IRT-1.

Another objective of this study was to focus on individual HRV responses in addition to group responses (see figure below). An interesting observation we made was that greater lnRMSSDcv was also associated with higher perceived fatigue. This finding is in contrast to a recent case comparison study by Plews et al. that found a decreased lnRMSSDcv to be associated with non-functional overreaching in an elite triathlete. However, this can possibly be explained by the severity of fatigue. For example, the decreased lnRMSSDcv observed in the triathlete was accompanied with a chronically suppressed lnRMSSDmean. Thus, lnRMSSD decreased and did not periodically return to baseline.

In our current study, large decreases in lnRMSSD typically returned to baseline after 24-72 hours. Thus, loads were not so high that the athletes were unable to return to baseline. Therefore, it is possible that there may be a progression in one’s HRV trend leading from moderately fatigued to severely fatigued that is characterized first by a greater lnRMSSDcv (reflecting fatigue and recovery process) followed by chronic suppression of lnRMSSD with no rebounding to baseline (reduced lnRMSSDmean and reduced lnRMSSDcv). More on this to come.

Figure interpreting daily HRV

Early HRV changes relate to the prospective change in VO2max in female soccer players

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It’s been a good start to the Thanksgiving break with the  acceptance of our latest study entitled “Initial weekly HRV response is related to the prospective change in VO2max in female soccer players” in IJSM (Abstract below).

We’re currently working on supporting these findings with a much larger sample size in the new year.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine if the early response in weekly measures of HRV, when derived from a smart-phone application, were related to the eventual change in VO2max following an off-season training program in female soccer athletes. Nine female collegiate soccer players participated in an 11-week off-season conditioning program. In the week immediately before and after the training program, each participant performed a test on a treadmill to determine maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Daily measures of the log-transformed root mean square of successive R-R intervals (lnRMSSD) were performed by the participants throughout week 1 and week 3 of the conditioning program. The mean and coefficient of variation (CV) lnRMSSD values of week 1 showed small (r = -0.13, p= 0.74) and moderate (r = 0.57, p = 0.11), respectively, non-significant correlations to the change in VO2max at the end of the conditioning program (∆VO2max). A significant and near-perfect correlation was found between the change in the weekly mean lnRMSSD values from weeks 1 and 3 (∆lnRMSSDM) and ∆VO2max (r = 0.90, p = 0.002). The current results have identified that the initial change in weekly mean lnRMSSD from weeks 1 to 3 of a conditioning protocol was strongly associated with the eventual adaptation of VO2max.

 

Our HRV posters and abstracts from NSCA National Conference

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Below are the 4 abstracts and screen shots of our posters that we presented last weekend at the NSCA National Conference in Las Vegas. Many of these projects were in progress at the time of submission deadlines so 3/4 of the posters are actually just small parts of bigger projects. Following the title links will take you to the NSCA page where the posters can be viewed with zoom-in feature. There were plenty of good posters being presented all weekend so it would be worth your time to scroll through the website and view some of the other applied S&C research.

BODY POSITION’S AFFECT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND HEART RATE RECOVERY IN COLLEGIATE-FEMALE ATHLETES

Michael R. Esco,  Andrew A. Flatt, Robert L. Herron

PURPOSE:  Heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) are noninvasive indicators of cardiovascular autonomic control and are becoming popular for observing physiological changes associated exercise training and reflecting recovery status.  Previous research suggests there is a relationship between HRV and HRR, though the extent of this link remains unclear.  Additionally, measuring HRV in different body positions (supine vs. stand [SUP vs STA]) could further help explain the variance found in HRR following maximal exercise.  The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of variation in HRR that could be accounted for by HRV measured in SUP and STA in collegiate-female athletes.  METHODS: Twenty-three females (height = 1.65 ± 0.06 m, weight = 60.8 ± 6.3 kg, VO2peak = 44.6 ± 5.2 mL∙kg-1∙min-1) participated in this study.  Each participant rested in the supine position while HRV was recorded during the last 5-min of a 10-min SUP period, followed by an additional 6-min STA period of which the final 5-min was analyzed.  Participants completed a modified Bruce protocol treadmill exercise test to attain VO2peak.  Immediately following the exercise test, each subject actively walked at 0.89 m∙s-1 and 1.5% grade, while recording HRR at the 1-min (HRR1) and 2-min recovery mark (HRR2).  HRV values were expressed as root mean of successive R-R interval differences (RMSSD).  Pearson-product moment correlations were used to investigate the relationships between the HRR and HRV variables.  RESULTS:  The STA and SUP values were as follows; RMSSD = 40.4 ± 26.3 ms and 87.17 ± 38.8 ms, respectively.  Mean values for HRR1 was 28 ± 11 bpm and for HRR2 was 49 ± 11 bpm.  Significant correlations were found for STA and HRR1 (r = 0.54, p = 0.008) and HRR2 (r = 0.48, p = 0.020).  However, no significant relationships were found between SUP and HRR1 (r = 0.25, p = 0.255) or HRR2 (r = 0.38, p = 0.073).  CONCLUSIONS:  These results provide evidence that HRR is related to resting parasympathetic modulation when measured in the standing position within collegiate-female athletes. However, no association was found between HRR and supine HRV.  Therefore, when compared to the resting supine measures, standing RMSSD appears to be more strongly related to post-exercise vagal return.  PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:  HRV and HRR are two non-invasive markers of cardiovascular autonomic control.  Both markers are becoming popular objective measures to consider when monitoring athletic recovery status and physiological adaptation to training.  Practitioners need to be aware that resting HRV and HRR may be independently associated with cardiac-autonomic control.  Therefore, these measures could reflect different responses to training.  Additional research involving longitudinal investigation is needed.

HRR HRV poster

 

 

COMPARING HEART RATE VARIABILITY MEAN VALUES FROM 7, 5, AND 3 DAYS IN A TEAM OF FEMALE COLLEGIATE SOCCER ATHLETES

 Andrew A. Flatt, Michael R. Esco

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if the mean value of 5 and 3 day per week heart rate variability (HRV) recordings from both supine and standing positions would accurately reflect the weekly mean value in collegiate female soccer players during spring season training. METHODS: Twelve female soccer players (height = 165.12 ± 5.32 cm; weight = 60.78 ± 6.00 kg; body fat = 27.3 ± 4.98; VO2max = 46.08 ± 3.14 ml.kg.-1min-1) recorded their HRV with a smart phone application, a wireless ECG receiver and a chest-strap transmitter each morning for a one week period during a spring season strength and conditioning cycle. The participants first performed a supine followed by a standing measurement after waking and elimination. Upon completion of their morning HRV recordings, each athlete manually exported their data to a spreadsheet via the smart phone application to the investigator for analysis. The HRV parameter that was evaluated by the application was the natural log transformed root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences multiplied by 20 (lnRMSSDx20) from a 55-sec recording. Weekly (7 day) mean values were calculated for each athlete for the supine and standing lnRMSSDx20 measures. Thereafter, mean values were gathered from Monday through Friday for the 5 day recordings and Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the 3 day recordings.  Agreement between the 5 and 3 day mean lnRMSSDx20 values and the weekly mean values were determined with repeated measures analysis of variance, intraclass correlations (ICC), and the method of Bland-Altman. RESULTS: The mean supine lnRMSSDx20 values were as follows: 89.39 +/- 6.84 for the 7 day; 89.72 +/- 7.00 for 5 day; 89.09 +/- 7.09 for 3 day.  When compared to the 7 day supine measures, the 5 and 3 day values revealed ICC values of 0.99 and 0.96, respectively, with tight limits of agreement (2.53 above to 1.87 below the mean difference of 0.33 for 5 day and 3.50 above to 4.10 below the mean difference of -0.30 for 3 day).  The mean standing lnRMSSDx20 values were as follows: 70.43 +/- 9.36 for 7 day; 70.65 +/- 9.17 for 5 day; 70.31 +/- 9.62 for 3 day.  When compared to the 7 day standing measures, the 5 and 3 day values revealed ICC values of 0.98 and 0.96, respectively, with tight limits of agreement (4.25 above to 4.01 below to mean difference of 0.22 for 5 day and 5.31 above to 5.55 below the mean difference of -0.12 for 3 day). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that lnRMSSDx20 recordings in supine and standing positions averaged over 5 and 3 days showed good agreement with the 7 day mean in female collegiate soccer players during a spring season microcycle. Future research should aim to determine if 5 and 3 day recordings reflect changes in training status over a chronic period. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: lnRMSSDx20 values averaged over a one week period can be used as an objective measure of training status in athletes. However, obtaining data with a daily frequency is challenging in the applied sports setting, limiting the potential usefulness of HRV as a monitoring tool among sports teams. It appears that 5 day or 3 day recordings of ultra-short-term lnRMSSDx20 obtained by athletes on their smart phone device will suitably reflect the 7 day mean. This greatly reduces compliance demands of athletes.  Limiting data acquisition to 5 or 3 weekdays instead of over the entire 7 day period may enhance the practicality and convenience of HRV monitoring in field settings.

comparing poster

 

*This was taken from one week of what was actually 12 week training study.  However, data collection was still ongoing during the time of submission deadlines for the conference. The full paper will include additional weeks with an overload and unloading period to see if the 3 and 5 days still reflect the 7 day mean. CV will also be included. This paper was inspired by recent work by Plews et al. 

HEART RATE VARIABILITY RESPONSES TO FIRST DAY OF SPRING SEASON STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING IN FEMALE COLLEGIATE SOCCER PLAYERS

Andrew A. Flatt, Michael R. Esco

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine if resting heart rate variability (HRV) values reflect previous day training load in a team of collegiate female soccer players after the first day of spring season strength and conditioning (S&C) training. METHODS: A team of female collegiate soccer players (n = 11; height = 165.16 ± 5.82 cm; weight = 60.26 ± 6.30 kg; body fat = 27.07 ± 5.39 %; VO2max = 46.76 ± 2.40 ml.kg.-1min-1) volunteered for this study. Supine and standing HRV values were acquired from each participant with a specialized smart phone application that utilized a wireless ECG receiver and a chest-strap transmitter. Supine and standing measures were obtained following waking and bladder emptying on the first day of spring S&C training (SUPRE and STPRE, respectively) and on the two days that followed (SUPOST1, STPOST1, respectively and SUPOST2, STPOST2, respectively). The natural log transformed root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences multiplied by 20 (lnRMSSDx20) was the HRV parameter evaluated in this study. This value was automatically determined by the smart-phone application following a 55-sec recording which was manually exported to the investigator for analysis via e-mail. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure with Tukey Post-hoc follow up tests were used to determine if there was any significant differences across the three days in lnRMSSDx20. RESULTS: The mean supine lnRMSSDx20 values for SUPRE, SUPOST1, SUPOST2 were 92.68 ± 8.19, 90.07 ± 7.58 and 90.62 ± 10.52, respectively. The supine values were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The mean standing lnRMSSDx20 values for STPRE, STPOST1, STPOST2 were 71.73 ± 10.07, 66.85 ± 10.10 and 70.78 ± 11.41, respectively. STPRE and STPOST2 were significantly higher compared to STPOST1 (p < 0.05).   CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show changes in mean standing lnRMSSDx20 following a heavy training day in collegiate female soccer players.  However, there were no significant mean differences in the supine HRV values across the three days. Therefore, standing HRV measures may better reflect recovery status following a day of heavy training compared to HRV measured in the supine position. Future work should assess whether HRV measures can reflect training load over a longitudinal training program. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Advancements in technology have made for more affordable and convenient tools for acquiring HRV data in the field for the purposes of monitoring fatigue and training status in athletes. Though HRV has been traditionally measured in a supine position, this data suggests that a standing position may be a more sensitive marker in response to heavy training load in female team-sport athletes. It should be noted that while mean HRV values provide the coach with a general indication of recovery status of the team, individual assessment should also be considered.

first day poster

*As with the above abstract, the full paper will include multiple weeks of data looking at the acute responses to training in both standing and supine positions.

EVALUATING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ULTRA-SHORT-TERM HEART RATE VARIABILITY INDEXES AND ACCEPTED RECOMMENDATIONS IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETES 

Michael R. Esco, Andrew A. Flatt

This paper was recently published and can be accessed here.

ultra short poster

 

We actually had one more abstract to present in an oral presentation, but we ended up not being able to do it last minute and pulled it. Will save it for the future. The title was:

VALIDITY OF A SMART PHONE APPLICATION AND FINGER SENSOR FOR EVALUATING SUPINE AND STANDING HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN ATHLETES

Reaction Test for Athlete Monitoring: Research and Considerations

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Distinguishing functional over-reaching (FOR) from non-function over-reaching (NFOR)can be difficult to do during overload periods; particularly when laboratory measures are inaccessible to the coach or athlete. A common criteria used to determine FOR from NFOR is to assess performance before and after overload training. The fatigue accumulated from the increased training loads will result in expected performance decrements. After an unloading period of 1-2 weeks, performance should return to or exceed pre-overload performance values. An athlete can be considered NFOR if performance remains suppressed after this 2 week period.

Coaches can be proactive in their efforts to avoid NFOR with their athletes by maintaining various monitoring strategies. Keeping tabs on certain variables throughout overload periods allows the coach to detect early warning signs that may indicate excessive fatigue in an athlete(s). Such a metric often discussed is the reaction test. Today I will review some of the available research that investigates the efficacy of the reaction test as a method of potentially determining or indicating NFOR in athletes.

Why The Reaction Test?

The theory behind why the reaction test may serve as a good indicator of overreaching and/or the overtraining syndrome has been postulated by Nederhof et al (2006). Essentially, the overtraining syndrome has several signs and symptoms also seen in chronic fatigue syndrome and major depression. Both chronic fatigue and major depression are associated with slower psychomotor ability. Thus, it is hypothesized that psychomotor speed may be slower in athletes with OTS.

Reaction Test and Overreaching

Nederhof and colleagues (2007) put their theory to the test and evaluated performance, perceived fatigue/mood (RESTQ-sport and POMS) and psychomotor speed (reaction tests) in trained cyclists (n=14) and a control group (n=14). Training load was monitored via sRPE (RPE x session length). Testing was performed at baseline, following a 2 week overload period and once more following a 2 week taper. Of the 14 cyclists, 5 were considered FOR (they fulfilled at least 2 out of the three objective criteria in combination with at least 1 subjective criterion during the second but not during the third exercise test) and 7 were considered well trained (WT) while the remaining 2 were excluded.

Two reaction tests were used. The first described test was the “Finger Pre-Cuing Task” that required the individual to react to a prompt by pressing the correct keys on a computer. The other test was the “Determination Test” that required either manual of pedal reaction in response to visual or auditory stimuli also on a computer. Full descriptions of these tests can be read in the full text here.

The control group and the WT group improved their reaction time at each test. The FOR group however showed increased (slower) reaction time after the overload period but improved reaction time beyond baseline values after the taper. Regarding statistical significance the authors stated; “After high load training the FO group was 20% slower than the control group and 8% slower than theWT group. For comparison, patients with major depression are 20 to 26% slower than healthy controls [21,32] and patients with chronic fatigue syndrome are 15% slower than healthy controls [21]. Thus, although not statistically significant, differences in the present study are meaningful“.

Rietjans et al (2005) aimed to determine if a combination of test parameters could help detect overreaching in 7 well trained male cyclists. Over a 2 week period, training load was doubled while intensity was increased by 15%. Values for the following tests/assessments were collected pre and post training period: Maximal incremental cycle ergometer test with continuous ventilatory measurements and blood lactate values, time trial, basal blood parameter tests, hormones (GH, IGF-1, ACTH, neuro-endocrine stress test, shortened POMS, RPE and a cognitive reaction time test.

The results: “A novel finding was that reaction times increased significantly, indicating that overreaching might adversely affect speed of information processing by the brain, especially for the most difficult conditions. After the intensified training period, neither changes in exercise-induced plasma hormone values, nor SITT values were observed. During the CAPT only cortisol showed a significant decrease after the intensified training period. Hemoglobin showed a significant decrease after the intensified training period whereas hematocrit, red blood cell count (RBC) and MCV tended to decrease. The intensified training had no effect on physical performance (Wmax or time trial), maximal blood lactate, maximal heart rate and white blood cell profile. The most sensitive parameters for detecting overreaching are reaction time performance (indicative for cognitive brain functioning), RPE and to a lesser extend the shortened POMS. This strongly suggests that central fatigue precedes peripheral fatigue. All other systems, including the neuro-endocrine, are more robust and react most likely at a later stage in exhaustive training periods.”

Reaction Test and Perceived Performance 

Nederhof and colleagues (2008) set out to determine if reaction tests are related to perceived performance in rowers. On 5 occasions over the course of a season, reaction tests were performed along with perceived performance measures (“Reduced Sense of Accomplishment” scale from the Athlete Burnout Questionaire) in varsity rowers. The same two reaction tests (Finger Pre-Cueing and the Determination Test) described above were used. The results showed that a significant relationship between the Determination Test and perceived performance. The authors stated; “…rowers who scored higher on the ‘‘Reduced Sense of Accomplishment’’ scale of the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire had longer reaction times on the determination test. For every point the rowers scored higher, their reaction times were 18 ms longer on the action mode and 12 ms on the reaction mode of the determination test. This effect was not found for the finger pre-cueing task.”

Though their hypothesis was supported, the authors affirm that several practical issues require resolution.

My Reaction Test Data Compared to HRV over 4 Different Training Periods

For a much more elaborate discussion on this experiment you can see the original post here. Essentially what I found was that Reaction test average and HRV average mirrored each other at each training period. HRV decreased and Reaction time increased (slower) during High Intensity and again during High Volume training reflecting fatigue. During reduced training loads HRV increased and Reaction time decreased (faster).

Reaction average trend

HRV Avg Trend Reaction Blog

Considerations and Limitations

The reaction test appears to be a test worthy of consideration for coaches looking to incorporate monitoring variables into their training regime. The following is a list of factors to keep in mind regarding this test:

• Caffeine has a well-established effect on reaction time and should therefore be controlled for when implementing reaction testing

• Psychological factors can impact the effectiveness and reliability of the test. Though this is an objective test, the effort put forth by the athlete may not be consistent. Since this test is sensitive to small changes in reaction time, this can obscure data and thus interpretation.

• As with HRV, it is probably best to experiment with a reaction test with a small sample of athletes to determine its usefulness before trying to implement with an entire team.

• Just like any other monitoring variable, reaction time should be considered with other factors when attempting to draw meaningful interpretations from the results.

Reaction time test results appear to respond early to fatigue during overload training. Reaction times (test dependent) may correlate with perceived performance. The simplicity, practicality, affordability and non-invasiveness of a reaction test make it appealing to coaches as a field test.

References

Nederhof, E., et al. (2006) Psychomotor speed: possibly a new marker for overtraining syndrome. Sports Medicine, 36(10): 817-28.

Nederhof, E., Lemmink, K., Zwerver., J. & Mulder, T. (2007) The effect of high load training on psychomotor speed. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 28: 595-601.

Nederhof, E., Visscher, C. & Lemmink, K. (2008) Psychomotor speed is related to perceived performance in rowers. European Journal of Sport Science, 8(5): 259-265

Rietjans, GJ., et al. (2005) Physiological, biochemical and psychological markers of strenuous training induced fatigue. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 26(1): 16-26.

HRV and Reaction Test Data and some updates on our HRV research

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I posted some data a couple of months ago comparing my HRV to my tap test results to see if there was any correlation between the two. You can see that post here if you missed it. It was around that time that I also started using a Reaction Test app. Today I’ll be posting and reviewing my Reaction Test data with my HRV data to see what it might reveal. At the end of the post I’ll provide some brief updates on what’s been happening since I started working in the Human Performance Lab here at Auburn (Montgomery).

HRV: I continue to use ithlete as my main HRV metric. Daily measurements are performed each morning after waking and bladder emptying. All measurements are performed in the standing position with paced breathing. The HRV value provided by ithlete is Ln RMSSD x 20; a time domain measure of parasympathetic tone.

Reaction Test: The reaction test is performed after my HRV test and my Tap test (I’m still doing these but will not include them today). All reaction tests were performed using right index finger. The app functions as follows;

  1. initiate app
  2. Tap target area to start the test
  3. React to stimuli (color change) as fast as possible by tapping the screen
  4. Repeat for a total of 5 reactions (variable time intervals between)

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I used excel to calculate daily average with the reaction test data (plotted on the charts below).

Keep in mind that for a correlation between high HRV and good Reaction Test, we want to see an inverse relationship in the trends. We’re looking for a fast Reaction time (trending down) with a higher HRV score (trending up).

Chart 1 – HRV, Reaction Test Average and Session RPE (secondary axis)  

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For more clarity I’ve also included excel screen shots of the raw data. I’ve sectioned off 4 different areas and noted the goal/purpose of that particular time of training. It works out so that there is a High Intensity section, a Deload section, a High Volume Section, and a Semi-Deload section. The “Semi-Deload” period occurs over the past week that I’ve moved to Alabama. I figured it would be wise to scale intensity and volume back very slightly while I settle in to a new place and new work environment. To give an example, I essentially removed a main working set and stuck with familiar weights. Assistance work was relatively unchanged.

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* I must have forgotten to perform a reaction test or forgot to save it on 03/16 which was a Saturday and therefore it is not included.

I’ve highlighted any score that was +/- 10% from the total average. So for exampme; if HRV was 10% higher than the average of all HRV scores, I would shade that day green. Likewise for Reaction Test. Red shading denotes 10% or greater reduction.

After examining the acute relationship between Reaction Test and HRV I decided to examine the averages for each training block. I’ve shifted my focus lately a little bit more on weekly trend changes vs. daily trend changes. As you can see in the charts below, there is a very strong relationship between HRV AVG and Reaction Test AVG during each training section.

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–          Intensity Section – This section was the last 2 weeks of my 9 week training cycle that I performed after the Christmas break (discussed here). Volume was low but intensity was Maximal. HRV is at it’s lowest average while Reaction Test is at its highest (slowest reaction time) average.

–          Deload – During the deload week HRV average rebounds to peak levels while reaction time improves to near peak levels.

–          High Volume – This marks the start of a new training cycle. HRV drops quite a bit and Reaction Time average increases (slower reaction).

–          Semi-Deload – HRV returns to near peak values while Reaction Test peaks (quickest reaction time average).

From this data set, intensity appeared to have the biggest effect on Reaction Test average and HRV average. High volume work with moderate intensity also had a significant impact on these averages. It should be kept in mind that the Intensity period followed several weeks of training and therefore some fatigue had already been accumulated. I didn’t start using the reaction test until late February.  HRV and Reaction averages improve over periods of reduced training load.

Given that I was able to hit some PR’s in the gym during the Intensity section (under high fatigue), I’m inclined to say at this point, based on this data set, that these tests are not necessarily indicators of performance potential (strength), but rather markers of fatigue. In the future I would like to see how these tests match up with “finer” motor skills in other athletes.

Quick Updates

I made it safely to Montgomery, AL after a nice visit with some family at my folks place in Cincinnati over Easter. Total travel time was about 17.5 hours. We wasted no time in getting to work in the lab. We’ve got 3 projects going on right now (the first two being more health related  as opposed to sports/performance).

  1. I’m helping Dr. Esco complete a study comparing post-exercise HRV recovery after two different modes of exercise (cycling vs. treadmill at same intensity/duration).
  2. We are starting a new study comparing post-exercise HRV in middle aged men after 3 modes or resistance training; Eccentric only; Concentric Only; Traditional Resistance Training
  3. We have put the wheels in motion for a cross-validation study comparing ithlete to EKG. We did some pilot work with about 6 subjects so far and have IRB Forms and Consent Forms about ready for submission. We’ll measure ithlete and EKG simultaneously in about 20 males and 20 females then run the data. This is a very important study to me. In order to improve what we know about HRV and performance, we need more data. Using EKG’s in the field is not practical. What we need to start seeing is data from athletes that are performing measurements at home when they wake up. The device needs to be extremely easy to use and the data needs to be immediately available to the coach. At this time, smart phone app’s are the best way to do this. There are plenty of limitations with this but at the end of the day, if we’re going to apply this stuff in a team setting we need easy to use, affordable tools.
  4. This last project doesn’t exist yet. But I’m hoping to collect data on either the men’s tennis team or the women’s soccer team. I’ll provide more info on this if and when it starts to take shape.

Let me be clear right from the start in saying that Dr. Esco is running the show here. I’ve learned a ton from him already about the research process and anything that I accomplish over the next little while will be because of him.

Lastly, I attended my first Roller Derby which was quite the experience.