Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-27-2024

Comments

This article is the author's final published version in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2024, Article number 93.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020093.

Copyright © 2024 by the authors

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) is defined as the fluctuation of time intervals between adjacent heartbeats and is commonly used as a surrogate measure of autonomic function. HRV has become an increasingly measured variable by wearable technology for use in fitness and sport applications. However, with its increased use, a gap has arisen between the research and the application of this technology in strength and conditioning. The goal of this narrative literature review is to discuss current evidence and propose preliminary guidelines regarding the application of HRV in strength and conditioning. A literature review was conducted searching for HRV and strength and conditioning, aiming to focus on studies with time-domain measurements. Studies suggest that HRV is a helpful metric to assess training status, adaptability, and recovery after a training program. Although reduced HRV may be a sign of overreaching and/or overtraining syndrome, it may not be a sensitive marker in aerobic-trained athletes and therefore has different utilities for different athletic populations. There is likely utility to HRV-guided programming compared to predefined programming in several types of training. Evidence-based preliminary guidelines for the application of HRV in strength and conditioning are discussed. This is an evolving area of research, and more data are needed to evaluate the best practices for applying HRV in strength and conditioning.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Language

English

PubMed ID

38921629

Download

Included in

Cardiology Commons

Share

COinS