To Assess and Correlate Resting Heart Rate, Body Composition and Heart Rate Variability in Judo and Wushu Players

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to compare and correlate the resting heart rate, body composition and heart rate variability among judo and wushu players. Method: 40 athletes (20 judo and 20 wushu players) were included in the study. Body composition (BMI, subcutaneous body mass, skeletal body mass, body fat %, body density, Visceral fat, Lean body mass) was evaluated with the help of 7 skinfold thickness and body circumferences with the help of Harpenden calliper and measuring tape respectively. HRV (RMSSD, SDNN, LF/HF, LFnu and HFnu) was recorded in resting state (~5min) with the help of Heart wear shimmer ECG device. Result: No significant difference of body composition and HRV variables (p> 0.05) was found between the two groups except Body fat % and body density (p<0.05) which differ significantly among the two groups. In Judo, LF/HF and LFnu showed significant positive correlation with BMI (p<0.05, r=-0.488), subcutaneous whole-body mass (p<0.05, r=-0.464), visceral fat (p<0.05, r =-0.508), and body fat % (p<0.05, r =-0.626. Whereas HFnu showed significant negative correlation with BMI (p<0.05, r=-0.488), subcutaneous whole-body mass (p<0.05, r=-0.464), visceral fat (p<0.05, r=-0.505) and body fat % (p<0.05, r=-0.626). Whereas no correlation was found between HRV and Body composition in wushu players. Conclusion: Reduction in body fat % and visceral fat in judo players indicate improved sympathovagal balance which can be due to the adaptation induced by training loads. Similar results were not seen in wushu players because of high amount of body fat% and visceral fat. Keywords: Body composition, combat sports, heart rate variability, Body fat %, resting heart rate.