Analysis of the Functional Readiness of Officer Cadets

Introduction. To assess the physical fitness of cadets and determine its relationship with heart rate variability parameters. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted involving 60 male cadets aged 19.3 ± 1.6 years. Physical fitness was assessed using the PWC-170 submaximal bicycle ergometer test, with absolute and relative indices calculated. Heart rate variability was determined based on the results of a 5-minute electrocardiogram recording in a state of relative rest. Results are presented as the median and interquartile range Me (25%; 75%). Correlations were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient; to account for multiple comparisons, the Holm correction was applied at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results. The results of the bicycle ergometer test indicate heterogeneity among the cadets, accompanied by high interindividual variability in the studied parameters (V = 24.3%). The PWC-170 index, based on the results of Me (25%; 75%) = 16.5 (14.0; 18.4) kgm·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹, indicated the presence of subjects with insufficient physical work capacity. Analysis of temporal and spectral indicators of heart rate variability reveals heterogeneity in the state of the cardiovascular system’s adaptive and regulatory mechanisms. Some cadets exhibited distinct heart rate variability patterns that may reflect individual differences in autonomic cardiac regulation and the characteristics of cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms. After applying the Holm correction to the seven identified correlations, only the direct correlation between the relative value of PWC-170 and the total spectral power TP remained statistically significant (r = 0.483; Holm-adjusted p = 0.00065). Thus, higher performance indicators were associated with greater total spectral power of heart rate variability, whereas associations with the remaining studied indicators were not statistically significant after adjustment. Conclusions. In the studied sample of cadets, higher relative physical fitness was associated with higher total spectral power of heart rate variability. The established association is statistical in nature and does not indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. The feasibility of using these indicators together requires further verification to assess the functional fitness of cadets, considering factors that may influence the identified association.