Effect of a Training Week on Heart Rate Variability in Elite Youth Rugby League Players

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the influence of weekly training including a competitive game on heart rate (HR) variability (HRV). Youth players (n=9, age 17–20 years) were monitored during daily supine rest (10 min) and standing (8 min), 5 times over 8 days. Heart rate recordings were analysed for time domain, frequency (e. g. low frequency [LF], high frequency [HF]) domain and non-linear measures of HRV and compared using ANOVA or Friedman’s tests. Relationships between HRV and training workloads were examined via Spearman rank rho ( ρ ) correlation coefficients. Prior to a game, mean HR was significantly increased and remained elevated until 2 days post-game while parasympathetic modulations (HF) were significantly reduced (p