Heart rate variability-guided training in professional runners: Effects on performance and vagal modulation.

Abstract in brief

• The study examined the effects of heart rate variability (HRV) guided training versus traditional training on professional runners' performance and heart health, showing that HRV-guided training led to specific improvements like increased maximal velocity.
• In the 8-week trial, the HRV group had lower total training volume but higher moderate and low-intensity training, with some significant improvements in their cardiovascular performance, such as increased VO2 max and better heart rate responses.
• Results indicated that higher HRV scores were associated with better cardiovascular adaptations, suggesting HRV can be a useful tool to personalize training intensity for optimal endurance performance.