Heart rate variability-guided training improved VO2max (p=0.03) and peak power output (p=0.01) in cyclists, though between-group performance was similar to block periodization.
Does heart rate variability-guided training improve fitness and performance compared to block periodization in well-trained cyclists?
HRV-guided training leads to significant within-group improvements in multiple fitness and performance metrics in well-trained cyclists, though it did not show significant between-group superiority over block periodization.
Abstract Javaloyes, A, Sarabia, JM, Lamberts, RP, Plews, D, and Moya-Ramon, M. Training prescription guided by heart rate variability vs. block periodization in well-trained cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1511–1518, 2020—Predefined training programs are common place when prescribing training. Within predefined training, block periodization (BP) has emerged as a popular methodology because of its benefits. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been proposed as an effective tool for prescribing training. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of HRV-guided training against BP in road cycling. Twenty well-trained cyclists participated in this study. After a preliminary baseline period to establish their resting HRV, cyclists were divided into 2 groups: an HRV-guided group and a BP group, and they completed 8 training weeks. Cyclists completed 3 evaluations weeks, before and after each period. During the evaluation weeks, cyclists performed: (a) a graded exercise test to assess V̇ o 2 max, peak power output (PPO), and ventilatory thresholds with their corresponding power output (VT1, VT2, WVT1, and WVT2, respectively) and (b) a 40-minute simulated time-trial (40 TT). The HRV-guided group improved V̇ o 2 max ( p = 0.03), PPO ( p = 0.01), WVT2 ( p = 0.02), WVT1 ( p = 0.01), and 40 TT ( p = 0.04). The BP group improved WVT2 ( p = 0.02). Between-group fitness and performance were similar after the study. The HRV-guided training could lead to a better timing in training prescription than BP in road cycling.
Javaloyes et al. (2019) studied Well-trained cyclists (n=20). Heart rate variability (HRV)-guided training vs. Block periodization (BP) was evaluated on V̇o2max, peak power output, ventilatory thresholds, and 40-minute simulated time-trial. Heart rate variability-guided training improved VO2max (p=0.03) and peak power output (p=0.01) in cyclists, though between-group performance was similar to block periodization.