Abstract
PurposeThe aim of the study was to investigate whether heart rate recovery (HRR) may represent an effective marker of functional overreaching (f-OR) in endurance athletes.Methods and ResultsThirty-one experienced male triathletes were tested (10 control and 21 overload subjects) before (Pre), and immediately after an overload training period (Mid) and after a 2-week taper (Post). Physiological responses were assessed during an incremental cycling protocol to exhaustion, including heart rate, catecholamine release and blood lactate concentration. Ten participants from the overload group developed signs of f-OR at Mid (i.e. -2.1 ± 0.8% change in performance associated with concomitant high perceived fatigue). Additionally, only the f-OR group demonstrated a 99% chance of increase in HRR during the overload period (+8 ± 5 bpm, large effect size). Concomitantly, this group also revealed a >80% chance of decreasing blood lactate (-11 ± 14%, large), plasma norepinephrine (-12 ± 37%, small) and plasma epinephrine peak concentrations (-51 ± 22%, moderate). These blood measures returned to baseline levels at Post. HRR change was negatively correlated to changes in performance, peak HR and peak blood metabolites concentrations.ConclusionThese findings suggest that i) a faster HRR is not systematically associated with improved physical performance, ii) changes in HRR should be interpreted in the context of the specific training phase, the athletes perceived level of fatigue and the performance response; and, iii) the faster HRR associated with f-OR may be induced by a decreased central command and by a lower chemoreflex activity.
Highlights
Increases in training intensity and volume are typically undertaken by athletes in an attempt to enhance physical performance
These findings suggest that i) a faster heart rate recovery (HRR) is not systematically associated with improved physical performance, ii) changes in HRR should be interpreted in the context of the specific training phase, the athletes perceived level of fatigue and the performance response; and, PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone
Heart Rate Recovery in Overreached Athletes iii) the faster HRR associated with functional overreaching (f-OR) may be induced by a decreased central command and by a lower chemoreflex activity
Summary
Increases in training intensity and volume are typically undertaken by athletes in an attempt to enhance physical performance. Intensified training can result in a decline in performance; when appropriate periods of recovery are provided, a ‘‘supercompensation” effect may occur with the athlete exhibiting an enhanced performance compared with baseline levels. When this ‘‘intensified training” continues, the athletes can evolve into a state of extreme OR or non-functional overreaching (nf-OR) which will lead to a stagnation or decrease in performance that will not resume for several weeks or months. It can be challenging to deliver training programs that meet the need to recover from competition to prevent f-OR whilst allowing athletes to maintain optimal fitness levels
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