Effects of Long-Haul Travel and the Olympic Games on Heart-Rate Variability in Rugby Sevens Medalists.

Abstract

To report the impact of long-haul travel and the Olympic tournament on heart-rate variability and subjective well-being in a rugby sevens team. Players (N = 12 men) recorded daily root mean square of successive differences (LnRMSSD) and brief subjective well-being assessments before and throughout the Olympic tournament. Following a 7-day baseline involving a tournament simulation, 2 flights were taken to Brazil (20-h travel and 4-h time gain) on day 1. Matches occurred on days 13 to 15. Undefeated, the team advanced to the gold-medal final. Team staff used a combination of proactive and reactive strategies to support training adaptations, mitigate negative effects of travel, and facilitate recovery from competition. Peak LnRMSSD values from the preceding preparatory period were observed at baseline. Perceived recovery was impaired on day 1 following tournament simulation (P < .05). Lower and less stable LnRMSSD trends were observed in players within the first week following long-haul travel (P < .05), evident primarily in nonstarters (effect size = unclear to very large) versus starters (effect size = unclear). Status markers were subsequently maintained at baseline or improved prior to the tournament and were minimally affected by competition (P > .05). Changes in LnRMSSD were associated (P < .05) with changes in perceived recovery (day 14, ρ = .64) and sleep quality (day 15, ρ = .69) during the tournament. Attentiveness to player health and well-being throughout preparation, travel, and the Olympic tournament potentially mitigated decrements in status markers, thereby reducing potential for fatigue or stress-related performance impairment.