HEART RATE VARIABILITY AS A MARKER OF FUNCTIONAL STATE AND AUTONOMIC STATUS OF THE BODY UNDER STATIC–DYNAMIC PHYSICAL LOADS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/naturalspu/2026.1.3Keywords:
heart rate, autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability; isometric loads, individual adaptive strategiesAbstract
This study investigates heart rate variability (HRV) as an integral marker of functional state and autonomic status under static– dynamic physical loads, using archery as a model sport. The aim of the study was to analyze adaptive changes in the autonomic nervous system of highly qualified archers during isometric exercise and to assess individual dynamics of autonomic regulation throughout a training session. Nineteen elite athletes (Candidates for Master of Sport and Masters of Sport), aged 18–20 years, participated in the study. Heart rate was recorded under field conditions during shooting at a distance of 70 m. HRV analysis was performed using Kubios HRV Standard software and included time-domain, frequency-domain, and non-linear parameters. To evaluate the cumulative effects of training load, individual HRV dynamics were additionally analyzed in ten athletes during a one-hour training session. The results demonstrated that shooting performance was accompanied by moderate tachycardia and a shift in autonomic balance toward sympathetic predominance. SDNN values remained within the physiological range (48–52 ms), indicating cardiovascular functional efficiency and training-related economization. RMSSD and pNN50 values were reduced compared with resting conditions; however, their absolute levels (RMSSD >25 ms) suggest preservation of the minimal required parasympathetic control. The LF/HF ratio was 2.86±1.6 in women and 2.78±1.3 in men, while the stress index reflected a state of optimal functional mobilization. No statistically significant sex-related differences in HRV parameters were observed (p>0.05). Analysis of individual HRV dynamics revealed three distinct types of autonomic adaptive responses: parasympathetic shift, functional stability, and regulatory strain with signs of autonomic fatigue. The most informative markers of fatigue development were identified as the stress index, LF/HF ratio, HF%, and sample entropy. The findings confirm the applicability of HRV analysis for personalized monitoring of adaptation and fatigue control in archers exposed to static–dynamic physical loads.
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