A1 Journal article (refereed)
Monitoring fatigue state with heart rate‐based and subjective methods during intensified training in recreational runners (2024)

Nuuttila, O., Uusitalo, A., Kokkonen, V., Weerarathna, N., & Kyröläinen, H. (2024). Monitoring fatigue state with heart rate‐based and subjective methods during intensified training in recreational runners. European Journal of Sport Science, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.12115

JYU authors or editors

Nuuttila, Olli-Pekka
Kokkonen, Veli-Pekka
Kyröläinen, Heikki

Publication details

All authors or editors: Nuuttila, Olli‐Pekka; Uusitalo, Arja; Kokkonen, Veli‐Pekka; Weerarathna, Nilushika; Kyröläinen, Heikki

Journal or series: European Journal of Sport Science

ISSN: 1746-1391

eISSN: 1536-7290

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 26/04/2024

Volume: Early online

Publisher: Wiley

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.12115

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94668

Abstract

The purpose of this study was firstly to examine the sensitivity of heart rate (HR)-based and subjective monitoring markers to intensified endurance training; and secondly, to investigate the validity of these markers to distinguish individuals in different fatigue states. A total of 24 recreational runners performed a 3-week baseline period, a 2-week overload period, and a 1-week recovery period. Performance was assessed before and after each period with a 3000m running test. Recovery was monitored with daily orthostatic tests, nocturnal HR recordings, questionnaires, and exercise data. The participants were divided into subgroups (overreached/OR, n = 8; responders/RESP, n = 12) based on the changes in performance and subjective recovery. The responses to the second week of the overload period were compared between the subgroups. RESP improved their baseline 3000 m time (p < 0.001) after the overload period (−2.5 ± 1.0%), and the change differed (p < 0.001) from OR (0.6 ± 1.2%). The changes in nocturnal HR (OR 3.2 ± 3.1%; RESP −2.8 ± 3.7%, p = 0.002) and HR variability (OR −0.7 ± 1.8%; RESP 2.1 ± 1.6%, p = 0.011) differed between the subgroups. In addition, the decrease in subjective readiness to train (p = 0.009) and increase in soreness of the legs (p = 0.04) were greater in OR compared to RESP. Nocturnal HR, readiness to train, and exercise-derived HR-running power index had ≥85% positive and negative predictive values in the discrimination between OR and RESP individuals. In conclusion, exercise tolerance can vary substantially in recreational runners. The results supported the usefulness of nocturnal HR and subjective recovery assessments in recognizing fatigue states.

Keywords: runners (athletes); endurance training; training response; performance (capacity); strains and stresses; overtraining; fatigue (biological phenomena); recovery (return); heart rate monitors; sports physiology