Aubert André E, Seps Bert, Beckers Frank
Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, School of Medicine, K.U. Leuven, University Hospital Gasthuisberg O/N, Leuven, Belgium.
Sports Med. 2003;33(12):889-919. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200333120-00003.
This review examines the influence on heart rate variability (HRV) indices in athletes from training status, different types of exercise training, sex and ageing, presented from both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. The predictability of HRV in over-training, athletic condition and athletic performance is also included. Finally, some recommendations concerning the application of HRV methods in athletes are made.The cardiovascular system is mostly controlled by autonomic regulation through the activity of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways of the autonomic nervous system. Analysis of HRV permits insight in this control mechanism. It can easily be determined from ECG recordings, resulting in time series (RR-intervals) that are usually analysed in time and frequency domains. As a first approach, it can be assumed that power in different frequency bands corresponds to activity of sympathetic (0.04-0.15 Hz) and parasympathetic (0.15-0.4 Hz) nerves. However, other mechanisms (and feedback loops) are also at work, especially in the low frequency band. During dynamic exercise, it is generally assumed that heart rate increases due to both a parasympathetic withdrawal and an augmented sympathetic activity. However, because some authors disagree with the former statement and the fact that during exercise there is also a technical problem related to the non-stationary signals, a critical look at interpretation of results is needed. It is strongly suggested that, when presenting reports on HRV studies related to exercise physiology in general or concerned with athletes, a detailed description should be provided on analysis methods, as well as concerning population, and training schedule, intensity and duration. Most studies concern relatively small numbers of study participants, diminishing the power of statistics. Therefore, multicentre studies would be preferable. In order to further develop this fascinating research field, we advocate prospective, randomised, controlled, long-term studies using validated measurement methods. Finally, there is a strong need for basic research on the nature of the control and regulating mechanism exerted by the autonomic nervous system on cardiovascular function in athletes, preferably with a multidisciplinary approach between cardiologists, exercise physiologists, pulmonary physiologists, coaches and biomedical engineers.
本综述通过横断面研究和纵向研究，探讨了训练状态、不同类型的运动训练、性别和年龄对运动员心率变异性（HRV）指标的影响。还包括HRV在过度训练、运动状态和运动表现方面的可预测性。最后，针对HRV方法在运动员中的应用提出了一些建议。心血管系统主要通过自主神经系统交感和副交感神经通路的活动进行自主调节。HRV分析有助于深入了解这种控制机制。它可以很容易地从心电图记录中确定，从而得到通常在时域和频域进行分析的时间序列（RR间期）。作为第一步，可以假设不同频段的功率对应于交感神经（0.04 - 0.15Hz）和副交感神经（0.15 - 0.4Hz）的活动。然而，其他机制（和反馈回路）也在起作用，特别是在低频段。在动态运动中，一般认为心率增加是由于副交感神经撤离和交感神经活动增强。然而，由于一些作者不同意前一种说法，并且运动期间还存在与非平稳信号相关的技术问题，因此需要对结果的解释进行批判性审视。强烈建议在呈现与运动生理学相关的HRV研究报告或涉及运动员的报告时，应详细描述分析方法、研究人群、训练计划、强度和持续时间。大多数研究涉及的研究参与者数量相对较少，降低了统计效力。因此，多中心研究更为可取。为了进一步发展这个迷人的研究领域，我们提倡使用经过验证的测量方法进行前瞻性、随机、对照、长期研究。最后，迫切需要对自主神经系统对运动员心血管功能的控制和调节机制的本质进行基础研究，最好采用心脏病学家、运动生理学家、肺生理学家、教练和生物医学工程师之间的多学科方法。
