Key result
One-week HRV biofeedback training improves kata performance scores vs passive relaxation.
Why the study?
Heart rate variability biofeedback could optimize athletic performance, but its effects on physiological indices, sensorimotor functions, and kata performance in Eastern martial arts athletes required examination.
Does a one-week HRV biofeedback program improve kata performance and sensorimotor functions in high-level martial arts athletes?
Does a one-week HRV biofeedback program improve kata performance and sensorimotor functions in high-level martial arts athletes?
Effect estimate: r = 0.44
p-value: p=0.038
A one-week HRV biofeedback program emphasizing slow-paced abdominal breathing significantly improves technical kata performance and fine motor control in high-level martial arts athletes.
May aid kata performance in athletes; leaves open confirmation in larger randomized trials.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback could be considered as a tool to help athletes to optimize their performance. This study aimed to examine the effects of a one-week HRV biofeedback (HRV-BFB) program on physiological indices, sensorimotor functions, and kata performance in Eastern martial arts athletes. Forty high-level martial arts athletes (karate, wushu, taekwondo, kyokushinkai) aged 17–27 years were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 20) and a biofeedback group (BFB, n = 20). Athletes from both groups underwent assessment of sensorimotor functions and the technical quality of their kata routines. The primary outcome was the expert-rated kata performance score. All routines were video-recorded and independently rated by three certified judges. The BFB group completed a hybrid HRV-BFB program consisting of supervised resonance-frequency breathing sessions in the laboratory and one week of home-based practice. During supervised sessions, athletes performed slow abdominal-paced breathing (6 breaths/min). At home, they practiced the same breathing pattern twice daily for one week (5 min per session, smartphone-guided). Nonparametric tests were used because several variables deviated from normality, and the sample size per group was limited (n = 20). After completing the HRV-BFB training, movement oscillation frequency improved significantly, reflected by lower movement oscillation frequency (p = 0.0009, r = 0.79), faster choice reaction time at a tendency level (p = 0.0793, r = 0.39), and an increase in blood volume pulse (BVP) (p = 0.037, r = 0.48) in BFB group compared to control group. Following BFB training, the judges’ scores did not change in the control group, while a significant increase was observed in the BFB group (p = 0.038, r = 0.44), indicating a positive effect of BFB training on kata performance. Regular HRV-BFB training emphasizing slow-paced abdominal breathing may enhance autonomic regulation, fine motor control, and improve the technical execution of kata routines in athletes.
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Toloraya et al. (2026) studied High-level martial arts athletes (n=40). Heart Rate Variability biofeedback (HRV-BFB) vs. Passive relaxation (control group) was evaluated on Expert-rated kata performance score (r = 0.44, p=0.038). A one-week HRV biofeedback program significantly improved expert-rated kata performance scores in martial arts athletes compared to control (p=0.038, r=0.44).
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