5-d AEROBIC TRAINING CAMP PRODUCES BETTER PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE BUT POORER PSYCHOLOGY

Hynynen, E., Konttinen, N., & Rusko, H. K. (2002). The effects of increased training volume on heart rate variability among young endurance athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 126.

Trained endurance athletes (N = 17) participated in a 5-day training camp where aerobic training was increased from 1 hour to 2-3 hours per day. Daily questionnaires were used to collect athletes' perceptions of exertion and recovery over the previous 24 hours. At the start and end of the camp, a 5 km running test at a set submaximal heart rate was performed.

Higher parasympathetic tone was exhibited at the end of the camp. Average speed in the running test increased. Ratings of perceived exertion and physical exertion perceptions increased and compromised recovery feelings suggested overreaching was experienced after such a short period. Heart rate variability decreased.

Implication. A 5-d training camp that increased aerobic training demands reduced the quality of athletes' exercise perceptions while improving heart rate variability and performance time. While physiology and performance improved, psychological indicators decline.

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