The Effect of HRV and RPE Guided Special Exercises on Maximal Strength and Heart Rate Variability in 88-kg Weightlifters

This research sought to assess the impact of specific exercise programs, which are dependent on the indicators of recovery and muscle fatigue, on the development of maximal strength and heart rate variability in 88 kg weightlifters. The study adopted an experimental one group pretest-posttest design. The subjects in this study included 10 weightlifters from Iraqi clubs such as AlJaish, AlShorta, AlKahrabaa and AlHashd AlShaabi who competed in the 2026 Iraqi Clubs Championship. This training program spanned over eight weeks and had three training sessions every week. In this training program, training loads were manipulated in accordance with recovery and muscle fatigue using heart rate variability (HRV) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Maximal strength was assessed by using One Repetition Maximum test (1RM) while heart rate variability was assessed through Polar H10 heart rate monitor and Kubios HRV Standard software. Significant differences in both study parameters in favor of the posttest were found. Maximal strength improved from 148.70 ± 9.43 kg to 161.80 ± 8.91 kg (t = 10.384, p = 0.000), whereas heart rate variability improved from 36.40 ± 3.58 ms to 47.90 ± 3.96 ms (t = 9.762, p = 0.000). The percentages of improvement amounted to 8.81% and 31.59% for maximal strength and heart rate variability, respectively, with very large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 2.84 and 2.53, respectively). In conclusion, special exercises according to the criteria of recovery and muscle fatigue represent a training strategy that is effective in increasing maximal strength and heart rate variability in weightlifters. These findings align with Sustainable Development Goal 3 ``Good Health and Well-being'' by promoting athletic training methods that safeguard athletes' health and improve their physiological performance.