Key result
Multi-stage cycling is linked to a transient HRV imbalance that recovers within one week.
Why the study?
This study aimed to analyze daily heart rate variability in well-trained female cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and relate it to load and perceived exertion response.
Observational (n=10)
Daily monitoring of heart rate variability in female cyclists during a multi-stage event shows that fatigue is not summative and baseline autonomic balance is restored within one week.
HRV may track daily autonomic shifts in female stage racers; leaves open whether monitoring improves training or recovery decisions.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the daily heart rate variability (HRV) in well-trained female cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and to relate it to the load and perceived exertion response. METHODS: Ten female cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. HRV was recorded with a portable heart rate monitor each morning at rest in supine (7 min.) and upright (7 min.) positions, as well as throughout each day's stage. Pre-Tour baseline HRV recordings were made, as well as during the four weeks following completion of the Tour. Exercise daily load was assessed using the training impulse score (TRIMPS). Post-exercise rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed daily using the Borg CR-10 scale. RESULTS: The results show a HRV imbalance, increase of sympathetic and decrease of vagal activities respectively, along the event that correlated with rate of perceived exertion (r = 0.46), training impulse score (r = 0.60), and kilometers (r = 046). The greatest change in HRV balance was observed the days after the greatest relative physical load. Mean heart rate and heart rate variability values returned to their baseline values one week after completion of the event. CONCLUSIONS: Despite incomplete recovery from day-to-day, fatigue is not summative or augmented with each successive stage and its physical load. Just one week is sufficient to restore baseline values. Heart rate and HRV can be used as a tool to strategically plan the effort of female cyclists that participate in multi-stage events.
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Barrero et al. (2019) conducted an observational in Healthy, well-trained female cyclists (n=10). Multi-stage cycling event (Tour de France circuit) vs. Pre-Tour baseline was evaluated on Daily heart rate variability (HRV) and resting heart rate. A multi-stage cycling event induced a heart rate variability imbalance with increased sympathetic and decreased vagal activities that correlated with training impulse score (r=0.60) and perceived exertion (r=0.46), which returned to baseline within one week.
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