The Pulse of Performance: Heart Rate Variability and Match Intensity in Elite-Cricketers.”

Cricket is a physically demanding sport that requires athletes to maintain optimal performance under varying levels of stress. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been shown to be a sensitive indicator of autonomic nervous system function and physiological stress response in athletes. However, the specific impact of match intensity on HRV in cricketers remains relatively unexplored. To examin Aim: e the impact of match intensity and rolespecific performance indices on HRV changes. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a group of p Methods: rofessional cricketers (n = 44). HRV(SDNN) was measured using a wearable device before and after match. Participants rated perceived exertion using the Borg-10 scale. Role specific Performance metrics (eg- runs scored, wickets taken, strike rate, economy rate) were collected. Correlational analysis was performed to investigate the association between HRV, Borg scale scores and performance metrics. Our findings rev Results: eal a significant Pearson correlation between HRV and perceived exertion. Post-match SDNN (a measure of HRV) exhibited a moderate negative correlation (-0.5749) with the Borg-10 scale, while a strong positive correlation (+0.8205) between HRV change and the BORG-10 scale. Change in HRV was also correlating with role-specific performance indices; batsmen (+0.71), bowlers (+0.77) and allrounders (+0.49). Individual variations in HRV responses to perceived exertion and performance metrics were evident. Greater HRV decline, which in Conclusion: dicates higher physiological match stress, is associated with higher match intensity (higher perceived exertion) and also associated with higher role-specific performance metrics.