Averaging resting heart rate and heart rate variability over 1 week strongly correlated with changes in 10-km running performance (r=-0.76), proving superior to single-day assessments.
Observational (n=10)
Does averaging resting heart rate and heart rate variability over a 1-week period improve correlation with training adaptation compared to single-day assessment in runners?
Averaging resting heart rate and heart rate variability over a 1-week period is superior to single-day assessment for evaluating positive adaptation to training in runners.
Effect estimate: r = -0.76 (95% CI -0.92 to -0.36)
The aim of this study was to compare 2 different methodological assessments when analyzing the relationship between performance and heart-rate (HR) -derived indices (resting HR RHR and HR variability HRV) to evaluate positive adaptation to training. The relative change in estimated maximum aerobic speed (MAS) and 10-km-running performance was correlated to the relative change in RHR and the natural logarithm of the square root of the mean sum of the squared differences between R-R intervals on an isolated day (RHR(day); Ln rMSSD(day)) or when averaged over 1 wk (RHR(week); Ln rMSSD(week)) in 10 runners who responded to a 9-wk training intervention. Moderate and small correlations existed between changes in MAS and 10-km-running performance and RHR(day) (r = .35, 90%CI -.35, .76 and r = -.21 -.68, .39), compared with large and very large correlations for RHR(week) (r = -.62 -.87, -11 and r = .73 .30, .91). While a trivial correlation was observed for MAS vs Ln rMSSD(day) (r = -.06 -.59, .51), a very large correlation existed with Ln rMSSD(week) (r = .72 .28, .91). Similarly, changes in 10-km-running performance revealed a small correlation with Ln rMSSD(day) (r = -.17 -.66, .42), vs a very large correlation for Ln rMSSD(week) (r = -.76 -.92, -.36). In conclusion, the averaging of RHR and HRV values over a 1-wk period appears to be a superior method for evaluating positive adaption to training compared with assessing its value on a single isolated day.
Plews et al. (2013) conducted an observational in Runners (n=10). 1-week average of resting heart rate and heart rate variability vs. Single isolated day assessment was evaluated on Correlation between changes in 10-km-running performance and Ln rMSSD (r = -0.76, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.36). Averaging resting heart rate and heart rate variability over 1 week strongly correlated with changes in 10-km running performance (r=-0.76), proving superior to single-day assessments.