Pre-competitive overload period impairs parasympathetic modulation in athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Henrique Lapo, Mara Patrícia Traina Chacon-Mikahil, Amanda Veiga Sardeli

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Abstract

Objective: The aim was to meta-analyze the effect of different type of overloads on parasympathetic modulation to the heart, assessed by root-mean-square difference of successive normal RR intervals (RMSSD) of athletes.

Methods: The analysis of the 14 studies selected (20 subgroups within studies), compared RMSSD of the same athletes before and after an overload period.

Results: RMSSD of athletes were lower at pre-competition compared to baseline (SMD = -0.50 [-0.83; -0.18], p = 0.002), while volume, volume plus intensity and post-competition overloads showed similar RMSSD than their respective normal load periods.

Conclusion: The lower RMSSD during pre-competition overload, characterize an loss of homeostasis, and could be explained by the presence of pre-competition anxiety, stress, and higher psychological challenges in addition to the same physical stress present in the other types of overloads (i.e.: higher volume or training intensity).
Original languageEnglish
Article number113780
JournalPhysiology and Behavior
Volume250
Early online date16 Mar 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Mar 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Protocol PROSPERO:, Number: CRD42020181966

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier Inc.

Keywords

  • Athletes
  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Biomarkers
  • Fatigue
  • Physiological
  • Stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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