Key Takeaway
Low-intensity aerobic training improves cardiac autonomic function (increased HRV), while high-intensity training can temporarily decrease it.
Summary
This study examined how different training intensities affect cardiac autonomic control, measured through heart rate variability (HRV) and other autonomic markers.
The key finding was that low-intensity aerobic training (Zone 2) improved parasympathetic tone and overall HRV, while intensive training periods could temporarily suppress these markers. This suggests Zone 2 training is particularly beneficial for autonomic nervous system health.
These findings support the use of HRV tracking to monitor training load and the importance of adequate low-intensity training volume.
Methods
- Elite athletes studied during different training phases
- HRV analysis during low-intensity and high-intensity periods
- Comparison of autonomic markers across training phases
Key Results
- Low-intensity training increased vagal tone
- High-intensity periods showed reduced HRV
- Recovery periods restored autonomic balance
- Resting heart rate decreased with aerobic training
Limitations
- Elite athletes may not represent general population
- Training phases not randomized
- Multiple confounding factors in real-world training