Sports Performance In Athletes Research Articles

The effects of mobile phone dependence on athletic performance and its mechanisms

Mobile phone dependence (also known as internet dependence, MPD), defined as a problematic behavior characterized by excessive use or intermittent craving to use a mobile phone, results in various social, behavioral, and affective problems in daily life. In sports, MPD is directly related to the physical and mental health and sports performance of athletes. The individual and environmental factors, neurobiological mechanisms and theoretical models of MPD affecting athletic performance were analyzed by reviewing previous studies, aiming to construct effective training and development protocols to prevent and control the occurrence of MPD in athletes. At present, athletic performance can be affected by MPD through individual factors and environmental factors. The neurobiological mechanisms between the two are based on the brain reward system and microwave radiation from mobile phones, with athletic performance being restricted by alterations in the corresponding brain regions. Relevant theoretical models mainly include the social cognitive model of self-regulation and the integrative model of self-control, which explain the interrelationship between MPD and athletic performance from the perspectives of athletes’ self-regulation and self-control, respectively. As an emerging phenomenon, the influence pathways and mechanisms by which MPD affects athletic performance need to be further investigated. A longitudinal perspective should be adopted to trace the dynamic impact relationship between the two, and developing relevant theoretical frameworks from an interdisciplinary research perspective should be valuable for providing theoretical support for coaches and sports administrators to formulate scientific training protocols and thus improve the mental health of athletes.

Cushioning mechanism of the metatarsals during landing for the skateboarding ollie maneuver.

Skateboarding is an Olympic event with frequent jumping and landing, where the cushioning effect by the foot structure (from the arch, metatarsals, etc.) and damping performance by sports equipment (shoes, insoles, etc.) can greatly affect an athlete's sports performance and lower the risk of limb injury. Skateboarding is characterized by the formation of a "man-shoe-skateboard system," which makes its foot cushioning mechanism different from those of other sports maneuvers, such as basketball vertical jump and gymnastics broad jump. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the cushioning mechanism of the foot structure upon landing on a skateboard. To achieve this, a multibody finite element model of the right foot, shoe, and skateboard was created using Mimics, Geomagic, and ANSYS. Kinetic data from the ollie maneuver were used to determine the plantar pressure and Achilles tendon force at three characteristics (T1, T2, and T3). The stress and strain on the foot and metatarsals (MT1-5) were then simulated. The simulation results had an error of 6.98% compared to actual measurements. During landing, the force exerted on the internal soft tissues tends to increase. The stress and strain variations were highest on MT2, MT3, and MT4. Moreover, the torsion angle of MT1 was greater than those of the other metatarsals. Additionally, the displacements of MT2, MT3, and MT4 were higher than those of the other parts. This research shows that skateboarders need to absorb the ground reaction force through the movements of the MTs for ollie landing. The soft tissues, bones, and ligaments in the front foot may have high risks of injury. The developed model serves as a valuable tool for analyzing the foot mechanisms in skateboarding; furthermore, it is crucial to enhance cushioning for the front foot during the design of skateboard shoes to reduce potential injuries.

Advances in Understanding the Interplay between Dietary Practices, Body Composition, and Sports Performance in Athletes.

The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the intricate relationships between nutrition, body composition, and performance. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that many athletes fail to adopt optimal nutritional practices, which can impede their potential achievements. In response, this Special Issue seeks to gather research papers that delve into athletes' dietary practices and their potential impacts on body composition and sports performance. Additionally, studies focusing on interventions aimed at optimizing dietary habits are encouraged. This paper outlines the key aspects and points that will be developed in the ensuing articles of this Special Issue.

Acute effects of repeated isoinertial lunges on jump and sprint parameters

Background and Study Aim. Understanding the relationship between repeated isoinertial lunges and jump and sprint parameters is an important factor in achieving success in sports requiring explosive strength and speed. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of repeated isoinertial lunges on jump and sprint parameters. Material and Methods. Volunteered 42 students from Sports Sciences Faculty were participated to the study. They were randomly divided into experimental group (EG) (n=22, age=22.8±1.1year, height=180.6±7.1cm, body weight=77.5±8.8kg) and control group (CG) (n=20, age=23.0±2.1year, height=173.1±5.6 cm, body weight=71.3±8.4 kg). As pre- and post-tests, each participant performed squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 30m sprint on a non-motorized treadmill. Isoinertial lunges were included in 8 reps with dominant leg (DL), 1 min rest, and 8 reps with non-dominant leg (NDL). As a statistical analysis, pre- and post-test differences were analyzed with independent t test between groups and paired t test within groups. The level of significance was taken as p≤0.05. Results. There were pre-test and also post-test differences between groups in SJ (p<0.05) but there were no differences within groups. Both groups had significant pre- and post-test time, velocity, and power differences [for EG: p<0.01, p<0.001, p<0.01; for CG: p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.01, respectively]. EG had significant pre- and post-test differences in stride frequency (SF) (p<0.01). There was a post-test SF difference between two groups (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant pre-test differences between the groups in 30m sprint parameters of NDL and DL. There were only significant post-test differences between the groups in SFDL (p<0.005) and NDL horizontal force (HFNDL) (p<0.01). EG had only significant pre- and post-test differences in SFDL and PNDL (p<0.005 and p<0.05). Conclusions. Detailed studies in SF and SFDL increases result by repeated isoinertial lunges should be beneficial focus on DL neuromuscular activation. Furthermore, incorporating repeated isoinertial lunges into training regimens could be a valuable strategy for enhancing specific aspects of athletic performance in sports that demand high levels of speed and explosive power.

Influence of the vegan diet on sports performance

Being healthy is a prerequisite for becoming a successful athlete. Most scientific evidence strongly associates a well-planned Vegan diet with health, successful body weight control, a preventive measure and, in some cases, the end and reversal of some of the most common noncommunicable chronic diseases. However, despite the solid health benefits of these diets, Vegan athletes are often confronted with prejudices for unfounded doubts and motives. Through the analysis of existing literature, the objectives of the present study were to explore the various advantages and risks of the Vegan diet for the health of sportsmen and women, whether in the context of competition or not and analyse the influence of this type of diet on the sports performance of athletes, when compared to omnivorous athletes. As can be seen, the literature on this topic is quite scarce and, apparently, performance is not boosted depending on the type of diet adopted. With this knowledge intended to demonstrate that vegan diets are compatible with sports performance, thus being able to encourage athletes and their families, coaches and health and sports experts to have a more open mind when an athlete expresses their desire to adopt a Vegan diet.

Effects of blood flow restriction training on sports performance in athletes: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is an effective training method to improve sports performance in healthy athletes. Nevertheless, a systematic review with meta-analysis regarding how BFRT affects sports performance in athletes is still lacking. Consequently, the study attempted to expand and consolidate the prior studies regarding the effect of BFRT on technical and physical performance in athletes. This study was based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes) statement guidelines for a systematic review of the academic databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCOhost (SportDiscus), and Google Scholar. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included publications, which ranged from moderate to high quality. The systematic review protocol was registered on inplasy.com (INPLASY202380049). Out of 249 studies identified, 93 articles were evaluated as eligible, and after the screening, 18 studies were finally included in this systematic review. Meta-analysis results showed a significant enhancement on vertical jump height in the BFRT group compared to the control group (SMD=1.39, 95% CI=0.30-2.49, P=0.01). BFRT was able to significantly increase maximal oxygen uptake (SMD=1.65, 95% CI=0.56-2.74, P<0.01). While no significant improvement in sprint time was observed (SMD= -0.18, 95% CI=-1.18-0.82, P=0.115). The finding suggests that BFRT is beneficial to athletes as this training method can be effective in enhancing physical and technical performance in athletes. Nevertheless, further analysis needs to be conducted to fully determine the effectiveness of the moderators of the intervention on sports performance.

Отношение к проблеме допинга в спортивном сообществе

The relevance of the study is related to the problem of the use of doping to improve athletic performance in sports and the issues of combating doping in the focus of modern public attention. The aim of the work was to study the awareness of athletes and the staff working with them in matters of doping and doping violations, as well as to identify the shortcomings of anti-doping educational work among various categories and groups of the population. 280 people took part in the study, including heads of institutions, organizations, representatives of regional executive authorities in the field of physical culture and sports, presidents of sports federations, instructors, methodologists, sports coaches, medical workers, teachers, students of universities and colleges. It is assumed that the main problem of insufficient anti-doping awareness can be solved in secondary specialized and higher educational institutions only by introducing mandatory anti-doping information and educational programs. The data obtained indicate the need for immediate intervention in the ongoing processes in the youth student environment. The package of measures should include anti-doping propaganda in sports educational institutions, organizing meetings with athletes disqualified for doping, conducting information and educational events on anti- doping topics, annual completion of advanced training courses by persons responsible for organizing work to prevent doping in sports, annual completion of a remote anti-doping program rusada.triagonal.net, conducting anti-doping propaganda among young people in the mass media of the region, on the official website of each sports organization of the region and on social networks.

Determination of Factors that Affect the longevity of an individual in the chosen type of Martial Arts

According to the Results of the Analysis of Scientific-Methodical literature, it was established that the actual issue of determining the influence of age characteristics on the Sports Performance of athletes who specialize in Martial Arts in the System of their long-term training is devoted to an insufficient number of Scientific works. This emphasizes the relevance and practical component of the chosen direction of Scientific Research. The research was carried out in accordance with the plan of the initiative scientific project «Longevity in Martial Arts-2023/2024.&#x0D; The main goal of the study is to determine the leading factors that ensure the longevity of athletes in the chosen type of Sports wrestling (using the example of athletes who specialize in Sambo wrestling). Research methods: abstraction, analysis, deduction, induction, modeling, comparison, synthesis, formalization (expert assessment).&#x0D; As a result of a theoretical study, the members of the scientific research group determined the leading factors and factors that ensure the longevity of athletes in the chosen type of sports wrestling (on the example of athletes who specialize in Sambo – sports and combat Sambo). The Results of the Research are implemented in the System of long-term training of sportsmen and women who specialize in sports of wrestling (full-contact Martial Arts) of the Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv and Kharkiv regions. Prospects for further Research in the chosen field of Scientific Research include the development of a regulatory framework for Special Physical training for athletes of older age groups (veterans) who specialize in Sambo and Judo wrestling.

Athletics in modern conditions

Athletics has undergone significant changes in recent years:&#x0D; &#x0D; the athletics program includes a spectacular event - a mixed relay for women and men 4x400 m. The team consists of two women and two men. The peculiarity of this type is that the sequence of running one or another stage by women or men is not determined, but it is decided by the team leaders, which brings a certain intrigue to the competition;&#x0D; changes were made to sports walking disciplines. The distance of 50 km for men is reduced to 35 km (which, in our opinion, will have a positive effect on the development of athletic walking and sports performance of athletes). But, at the same time, sports officials from the IAAF, either for reasons of gender equality or for some other reason, included a 35 km sport walk for women in the program, which, in our opinion, proves that such an approach equates physical, psychological and other opportunities for women and&#x0D; &#x0D; The number of responsible athletics competitions for both young athletes and adults is increasing. But it should be remembered that the main task in the training process with young athletes is to lay a general physical, technical, special and psychological base.&#x0D; Scientific and methodological data and practical experience show that the training of highly qualified athletes should be aimed at their performance at the main competitions of the year or quadrennial.&#x0D; If it is necessary to perform in Diamond League competitions, commercial starts and others, it is recommended not to change the first part of the microcycle (Monday-Wednesday), but to make certain adjustments in its second half (Thursday-Saturday) in order to prepare the athlete for the competition.

Effects of mind exercises on physical fitness and sport performance in interval trained athletes

Aim. To explore effects of additional mind exercises on physical fitness and sport performance in athletes undergoing interval training. Material and Methods. Thirty athletes were assigned into two equal groups. They either received only interval training or a combination of interval training and mind exercises 6 days/week for 24 weeks. Data was collected at baseline and after 5, 10, 15, 20, and 24 weeks. Interval training comprised speed, endurance, strength, plyometrics, and flexibility components. Data collection comprised demographics, time required to complete 600-meter run, number of push-ups in 1 minute, Illinois agility run test time, Broad jump distance, and number of sit-ups in 1 minute. Results. Interval training with (P &lt; 0.001) or without (P &lt; 0.01) mind exercises resulted in significant reduction in body mass. Body mass index and 600m runtime reduced while number of push-ups and sit-ups in 1 minute, and agility run time improved in both groups (P &lt; 0.001). After 24 weeks, mind exercises group ran significantly faster (P &lt; 0.001). Mind exercises resulted in longer Broad jump (P &lt; 0.001) compared to interval training alone (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions. Interval training caused significant reduction in body mass and lead to significantly improved physical fitness and sport performance. Addition of mind exercises resulted in significantly faster 600m run and longer Broad jump.

High-level soccer players have a low rate of return to performance after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

PurposeFemoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a known cause of impaired sports performance in athletes and the relationship between FAIS and soccer players has previously been described. Hip arthroscopy is a viable treatment option that can facilitate athletes’ return to sport (RTS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the RTS and return to performance (RTP) with objective measurements in high-level soccer players after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.MethodSoccer players, with a hip sports activity scale (HSAS) level of 7 or 8 before symptom onset and undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS between 2011 and 2019 were identified in the Gothenburg hip arthroscopic registry. A total of 83 high-level soccer players, with a mean age of 23.9 (SD 4.4) years at surgery, were included. To verify the activity level and further stratify players as elite or sub-elite, player statistics were collected from soccer-specific scout webpages and the Swedish national soccer association. The return to sport was defined as return to one game of soccer. Return to performance was defined as playing at the same level, or higher, and participating in at least 80% of the number of games played the season before symptom onset or the season before surgery either the first or second season after hip arthroscopy.ResultsIn total, 71 (85.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 76.1–92.3%) of the players returned to sport the first or second season after surgery. Compared to the season before symptom onset, 31 (37.3%, 95% CI 27.0–48.7%) players returned to performance the first or second season after surgery, and 32 (38.6%, 95% CI 28.1–49.9%) players returned to performance the first or second season after surgery compared to the season before surgery.ConclusionA high rate of elite and sub-elite soccer players return to soccer after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. However, less than half of the players RTP when evaluating performance through level of play and number of games played.Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Development of an alginate/TiO2-based microfluidic biosystem for chrono-sampling and sensing of glucose in artificial sweat

Glucose is an analyte of great importance, both in the clinical and sports fields. As an alternative to standard blood analysis, sweat arises as an easily accessible, non-invasive biofluid, as well as a great candidate to monitor human health and sport performance of athletes. However, there is a current need for the fabrication of low cost, easy to use technologies capable of sequential analysis of sweat biomarkers at different times. In this research, we developed a chrono-sampling microfluidic platform integrated with an alginate/TiO2 biosystem for sweat glucose determination. Glucose concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 µM in artificial sweat were detected and quantified, both in a bead format and in the device, where the whole system was calibrated and verified. The PDMS microfluidic platform allowed chrono-sampling over more than 42 min. This research is oriented towards the development of a miniaturized device for fast analysis at the point and place of need. The integration of the chrono-sampling capacity opens the possibility for a continuous monitoring of sweat biomarkers during exercise, allowing a personalized-oriented training to improve the performance of athletes.

State of the art and major clinical outcomes of the use of essential oils in the performance of athletes: a systematic review

Introduction: Essential oils (EOs) has been around for years and studies show that they are useful in treating various diseases and improving health. According to the United States OEs Handbook, OEs are a vital part of complementary and alternative medicine and the positive findings of OEs are now becoming a trend in sports performance research for athletes. Objective: It was to list the main scientific findings of clinical studies on the effectiveness of essential oils in improving the health and sports performance of athletes. Methods: A total of 195 articles were found involving clinical studies of the influence of essential oils on human health. After this process, 42 articles were included and 32 were discussed in this study. The present study was prepared following the systematic review guidelines – PRISMA. Results and Conclusion: Essential oils have been used in medicine for decades and have been proven to eliminate toxins from the body. They are also shown to improve the body's ability to absorb essential vitamins and nutrients. In this sense, the application of these oils not only helps to prevent and heal sports injuries but also to stimulate and relax the mind and body, leading to higher levels of fitness. Because of these inherent properties of EOs, there is growing interest in using them to tone the body and mind in a variety of ways, such as musculoskeletal preparation, injury prevention, and improving mood and performance to achieve a higher success rate in sports. sports and fitness, as well as post-exertion recovery. They can be used as an aid to make recovery faster, reducing the effect of fatigue and raising the energy level of the mind and body.

Self-Validation Theory: Confidence can Increase but also Decrease Performance in Applied Settings.

This article presents self-validation theory (SVT) as a framework predicting when mental contents guide performance. First, we illustrate how confidence can validate people's thoughts (goals, beliefs, identity) increasing and decreasing performance, depending on what thoughts are validated. This first section reviews examples of validation processes in guiding intellectual performance in academic settings, sport performance in athletes, as well as performance on diverse social tasks. SVT specifies moderating conditions for validation processes to operate. Therefore, in the second section of this review, we identify unique and testable moderators for metacognitive processes demonstrating when and for whom validation processes are more likely to occur. A third section calls for future research identifying new validating variables (e.g., preparation, courage) capable of increasing usage of unexplored thoughts relevant to performance (e.g., expectations). This final section examines new domains for validation (e.g., group performance, cheating in performance), discusses to what extent people can use self-validation strategies deliberatively to improve their performance and addresses when performance can be impaired by invalidation (e.g., due to identity threat).

장애인 운동선수군에서 4종류의 후보유전자에 존재하는 유전자 다형성에 대한 분포 양상

Although multiple genetic polymorphisms are reported to affect the sports performance in athletes, but very little research has been performed on this field in the case of disability athletes. Thus, in this study, after selecting four kinds of candidate genes known to be associated with sports performances by previous studies, we analyzed whether the distributions of genetic polymorphisms within these candidate genes indicate the significant differences between controls and disability athletes, respectively. A total of 68 unrelated subjects were participated in this study, and they divided into controls and disability athletes showing the same number(34 people in both group) and gender distribution(each 17 male/17 female in both group), respectively. Also, the genetic polymorphisms in a kind of four candidate including AMPD1(C34T, rs17602729), MCT1(SLC16A1)(A1470T, rs1049434) and MMP3(G/A, rs679620) in human autosome, and AGTR2(C/A, rs11091046) in human X chromosome were analyzed by using SNaPshot method in both groups. Among genetic polymorphisms studied, in the case of rs679620 polymorphism within MMP3 gene associated with sports injury by previous studies, there was the marginally significant difference in allele frequences between both groups(x=df=1, p=.051), and especially, G allele in this genetic polymorphism was higher in disability athletes than in controls. Therefore, in the future. it seems necessary to investigate the distribution pattern of this genetic polymorphism in a disability group with sports injuries, or to investigate the distribution pattern of other genetic polymorphisms related to various sports injuries such as anterior cruciate ligamnet(ACL) rupture and Achilles tendon rupture.

Effects on Respiratory Pressures, Spirometry Biomarkers, and Sports Performance after Inspiratory Muscle Training in a Physically Active Population by Powerbreath®: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sports performance in athletes can be limited by respiratory factors, so it is understandable to propose that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can improve respiratory function and exercise performance. Power-Breathe® (PwB) is a sectorized respiratory muscle training tool that uses a resistive load to train IMT. There is currently a growing interest in respiratory muscle training, so we set out to systematically assess the effects of IMT with PwB on respiratory parameters and athletic performance in physically active, healthy adults. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, the Cochrane and PEDro scales to assess methodological quality, effect size using the Rosenthal formula, and the Cochrane tool for estimation of risk of bias, studies searchable in Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane. In addition, for the performance of the meta-analysis, the documentation and quantification of the heterogeneity in each meta-analysis were directed through the Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic; in addition, a publication bias analysis was performed using funnel plots. Of the total of 241 studies identified in the search, 11 studies for the systematic review and nine for the meta-analysis met the exclusion and/or inclusion criteria. IMT, with PwB, showed significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and substantial improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC) in the meta-analysis results. Also, sports performance was significantly increased by IMT with PwB. In conclusion, the use of PwB is an IMT tool that improves respiratory and sports performance.

Abstract 10548: Atrial Fibrillation Worsens Sports Performance in Athletes; Greatest Improvement Seen With Ablation: A Stopafib.org Survey

Introduction: Anecdotally, both atrial fibrillation (AF) and medications for AF, are poorly tolerated in athletes. However, data are lacking. Methods: An internet-based survey, initiated via StopAfib.org, queried the impact of AF and treatment modalities on sports performance, training, and well-being. Performance, (rated in comparison to personal best), frequency of training and competition were categorized ordinally and compared prior to onset of AF symptoms versus when symptoms at worst, via paired Wilcoxon, and then compared in relation to participants’ AF treatments. Results: Between 5/13/19 and 2/29/20, 802 athletes responded, including 78% males, 22% female, median age 61 to 70 years . The most reported sports were cycling (25%) and running (20%). Median time since diagnosis was 3 to 5 years. When participants’ symptomatology was at worst, the median frequency was at least once a week, most commonly palpitations, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance. Development of AF was associated with declining sports performance, competition, and training frequency as shown in the table below. Of 471 participants who decreased their exercise regimen, 31% reported no change in symptoms, 56% reported a decreased frequency of AF, and 13% reported no further AF. Among athletes that received treatment, ablation was associated with the greatest improvement in sports performance compared with ablation plus medications or medications alone (see table below). Of 262 athletes currently on medication, 27% reported that it was completely effective, 58% partially effective, and 15% not effective. Of 653 athletes that have taken medication currently and/or in the past, 43% reported side effects, most commonly fatigue, low energy, or decreased athletic performance. Conclusions: In athletes, AF was associated with decline in sports performance. Among AF treatment modalities, ablation was associated with the greatest improvement in sports performance.

Saúde Mental no Desporto de Alta Competição

The impact of mental illness on the sport performance of athletes is increasingly recognized by the clinic and scientific community. The demand of elite sport influences the mental health of this population and increases the risk of mental illness. This article aims to briefly discuss the most relevant points about mental illness in athletes, as well as highlights the gaps in the literature, and indicates future directions for research and intervention in this area. Despite the existing advances on this topic, it is extremely important to promote the dissemination of scientific knowledge and actions of mental health, and to improve general quality of life of the athletes.

Description of ROM-SPORT I Battery: Keys to Assess Lower Limb Flexibility.

Limited range of motion (ROM) is considered one of the most important intrinsic and modifiable risk factors for the most common sports-related injuries. In addition, controlling and monitoring an athlete’s ROM is a strategy to achieve optimal ROM and improve athletic performance in sports, especially those that require high ROM in the major joints. Therefore, assessing ROM (pre-participation, during a rehabilitation process, on return to play, etc.) is important not only as a method to prevent sports injuries, but also as a quantitative determinant of the potential of athletic performance. However, despite the variety of different ROM assessment methods described in the literature, there is no consensus on which methods are best suited for this goal. Recently, the ROM-SPORT I battery has been shown to have advantages over other ROM assessment methods. This tool has not yet been fully described in detail for researchers, sports professionals, and clinicians to learn. The main objective of this study is to describe the ROM-SPORT I battery tests in detail using the following criteria: test description, simplicity of the test procedure, low need for human and material resources, predictive validity, and reliability.

Parameters of heart rate variability associated with high sports performance in athletes

Introduction. The problem of developing clear criteria for assessing athletes’ functional fitness, which would reflect their readiness for competitions, remains under-researched in the theory of sports. Football places high demands on athletes’ functional fitness, including the vegetative component. However, attempts to improve results in football often focus on techniques and tactics to the detriment of the functional component. It should also be noted that the intensity of exercises varies depending on the playing position during matches, and, therefore, an accurate diagnostic criterion is required to assess the players’ of different positions functional readiness for competitions. The article attempts to identify the parameters of heart rate variability which could be used as markers of athletes’ playing game sports high functional performance. The aim of this research is to identify the parameters of heart rate variability as a diagnostic criterion for assessing football players’ functional readiness for competitions. Materials and Methods. In order to assess the heart rate variability, the software for the “Polyspectrum” electrocardiograph was used with an additional function of obtaining data on heart rate variability. Results. The research findings suggest that football players with high athletic performance demonstrate higher vagal and lower sympathetic modulation of the heart rhythm, which indicates their higher fitness, adaptability to loads and functional readiness for competitions. On the contrary, the athletes of the second group demonstrated signs of strain of adaptation systems and over-training. Conclusions. Monitoring heart rate variability in athletes (in particular, heart rhythm wave structure indicators, expressed as the area of the triangle formed by the spectral density of all three waves) can be used as an effective tool in the dynamic control of training, in identifying athletes’ fitness, as well as for predicting sports results.