Heart Rate Variability, Neuromuscular and Perceptual Recovery Following Resistance Training

• Published in: Sports (Basel) Vol. 7; no. 10; p. 225
• Main Authors: Flatt, Andrew A., Globensky, Liam, Bass, Evan, Sapp, Brooke L., Riemann, Bryan L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 18.10.2019; MDPI
• Subjects: autonomic; cardiovascular; Heart rate; Laboratories; Load; Metabolism; monitoring; parasympathetic; Physical training; Physiology; Software; Strength training; Velocity; United States > US; Finland
• ISSN: 2075-4663; 2075-4663
• DOI: 10.3390/sports7100225

We quantified associations between changes in heart rate variability (HRV), neuromuscular and perceptual recovery following intense resistance training (RT). Adult males (n = 10) with >1 year RT experience performed six sets to failure with 90% of 10 repetition maximum in the squat, bench press, and pull-down. Changes (∆) from pre- to immediately (IP), 24 and 48 h post-RT were calculated for neuromuscular performance markers (counter-movement jump peak power and mean concentric bench press and squat velocity with load corresponding to 1.0 m∙s−1) and perceived recovery and soreness scales. Post-waking natural logarithm of the root-mean square of successive differences (LnRMSSD) in supine and standing positions were recorded pre-RT (5 day baseline), IP and two mornings post-RT. All parameters worsened at IP (p < 0.05). LnRMSSD measures were not different from baseline by 24 h. Neuromuscular markers were not different from pre-RT by 48 h. Perceptual measures remained suppressed at 48 h. No significant associations among ∆ variables were observed (p = 0.052–0.978). These data show varying timeframes of recovery for HRV, neuromuscular and perceptual markers at the group and individual level. Thus, post-RT recovery testing should be specific and the status of one metric should not be used to infer that of another.