Central hemodynamic and heart rate variability parameters in athletes during different training programs

Central hemodynamic and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were assessed in highly qualified athletes differing in the types of their training programs at relative rest. During endurance (the endurance group, n = 27) and strength (the strength group, n = 17) trainings, the total peripheral resistance (TPR) was decreased by 15% (p = 0.003) in the endurance group and by 16% (p = 0.011) in the strength group, and the stroke volume increased by 31% (p < 0.0001) in the endurance group and by 19% (p = 0.024) in the strength group. In the strength group, the cardiac output (Q) was higher (p = 0.012) and the temporal and spectral parameters of HRV (RMSSD, pNN ₅₀, and HF) were lower (p < 0.05) than those in the control group (n = 56). Some of these differences can be explained by an increased body mass index (p = 0.005) in the strength group. In the endurance group, the HRV parameters (RMSSD, pNN₅₀, HF, VLF, and TP) were higher (p ≤ 0.02), and the mean blood pressure was lower (p < 0.003) than those in the control group, with no significant differences in the Q from the control group. Our findings suggest that, in the strength-training athletes, resting hemodynamics were characterized by a greater Q level and a greater tension of mechanisms regulating cardiac activity. In the endurance-training athletes, a low Q level was associated with a lower tension of the mechanisms regulating cardiac activity (an increased vagal tone).