Typology of “Fatigue” by Heart Rate Variability Analysis in Elite Nordic-skiers

Abstract

This study investigated changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in elite Nordic-skiers to characterize different types of “fatigue” in 27 men and 30 women surveyed from 2004 to 2008. R-R intervals were recorded at rest during 8 min supine (SU) followed by 7 min standing (ST). HRV parameters analysed were powers of low (LF), high (HF) frequencies, (LF+HF) (ms²) and heart rate (HR, bpm). In the 1 063 HRV tests performed, 172 corresponded to a “fatigue” state and the first were considered for analysis. 4 types of “fatigue” (F) were identified: 1. F(HF⁻LF⁻)_{SU_ST} for 42 tests: decrease in LF_SU (− 46%), HF_SU (− 70%), LF_ST (− 43%), HF_ST (− 53%) and increase in HR_SU (+ 15%), HR_ST (+ 14%). 2. F(LF⁺ _SULF⁻ _ST) for 8 tests: increase in LF_SU (+ 190%) decrease in LF_ST (− 84%) and increase in HR_ST (+ 21%). 3. F(HF⁻ _SUHF⁺ _ST) for 6 tests: decrease in HF_SU (− 72%) and increase in HF_ST (+ 501%). 4. F(HF⁺ _SU) for only 1 test with an increase in HF_SU (+ 2161%) and decrease in HR_SU (− 15%). Supine and standing HRV patterns were independently modified by “fatigue”. 4 “fatigue”-shifted HRV patterns were statistically sorted according to differently paired changes in the 2 postures. This characterization might be useful for further understanding autonomic rearrangements in different “fatigue” conditions.

Key words

fatigue - heart rate variability - athletes

• References

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