Heart-Rate Variability and Training-Intensity Distribution in Elite Rowers

Purpose: Elite endurance athletes may train in a polarized fashion, such that their training-intensity distribution preserves autonomic balance. However, field data supporting this are limited. Methods: The authors examined the relationship between heart-rate variability and training-intensity distribution in 9 elite rowers during the 26-wk build-up to the 2012 Olympic Games (2 won gold and 2 won bronze medals). Weekly averaged log-transformed square root of the mean sum of the squared differences between R-R intervals (Ln rMSSD) was examined, with respect to changes in total training time (TTT) and training time below the first lactate threshold (<LT1), above the second lactate threshold (LT2), and between LT1 and LT2 (LT1-LT2). Results: After substantial increases in training time in a particular training zone or load, standardized changes in Ln rMSSD were +0.13 (unclear) for TTT, +0.20 (51% chance increase) for time <LT1, -0.02 (trivial) for time LT1-LT2, and -0.20 (53% chance decrease) for time >LT2. Correlations (+/- 90% confidence limits) for Ln rMSSD were small vs TTT (r = .37 +/- .80), moderate vs time <LT1 (r = .43 +/- .10), unclear vs LT1-LT2 (r = .01 +/- .17), and small vs >LT2 (r = .22 +/- .50). Conclusion: These data provide supportive rationale for the polarized model of training, showing that training phases with increased time spent at high intensity suppress parasympathetic activity, while low-intensity training preserves and increases it. As such, periodized low-intensity training may be beneficial for optimal training programming.