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Sports Medicine
Published in: Sports Medicine 10/2014

01-10-2014 | Systematic Review

Heart Rate Variability and Swimming

Authors: Julian Koenig, Marc N. Jarczok, Mieke Wasner, Thomas K. Hillecke, Julian F. Thayer

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 10/2014

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

Professionals in the domain of swimming have a strong interest in implementing research methods in evaluating and improving training methods to maximize athletic performance and competitive outcome. Heart rate variability (HRV) has gained attention in research on sport and exercise to assess autonomic nervous system activity underlying physical activity and sports performance. Studies on swimming and HRV are rare. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the application of HRV in swimming research and draws implications for future research.

Methods

A systematic search of databases (PubMed via MEDLINE, PSYNDEX and Embase) according to the PRISMA statement was employed. Studies were screened for eligibility on inclusion criteria: (a) empirical investigation (HRV) in humans (non-clinical); (b) related to swimming; (c) peer-reviewed journal; and (d) English language.

Results

The search revealed 194 studies (duplicates removed), of which the abstract was screened for eligibility. Fourteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Included studies broadly fell into three classes: (1) control group designs to investigate between-subject differences (i.e. swimmers vs. non-swimmers, swimmers vs. other athletes); (2) repeated measures designs on within-subject differences of interventional studies measuring HRV to address different modalities of training or recovery; and (3) other studies, on the agreement of HRV with other measures.

Conclusions

The feasibility and possibilities of HRV within this particular field of application are well documented within the existing literature. Future studies, focusing on translational approaches that transfer current evidence in general practice (i.e. training of athletes) are needed.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Heart Rate Variability and Swimming
Authors
Julian Koenig
Marc N. Jarczok
Mieke Wasner
Thomas K. Hillecke
Julian F. Thayer
Publication date
01-10-2014
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Sports Medicine / Issue 10/2014
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0211-9

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