Streamlining Analysis of RR Interval Variability in Elite Soccer Players: Preliminary Experience with a Composite Indicator of Cardiac Autonomic Regulation

Daniela Lucini, Angelo Fallanca, Mara Malacarne, Maurizio Casasco, Leonarda Galiuto, Fabio Pigozzi, Giorgio Galanti and Massimo Pagani
Additional contact information
Daniela Lucini: BIOMETRA Department, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
Angelo Fallanca: BIOMETRA Department, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
Mara Malacarne: BIOMETRA Department, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
Maurizio Casasco: FMSI Federazione Medico Sportivo Italiana, 00196 Rome, Italy
Leonarda Galiuto: Cardiology Department, Catholic University Sacred Heart, 0168 Rome, Italy
Fabio Pigozzi: Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 0168 Rome, Italy
Giorgio Galanti: Clinical and Experimental Medicine Department, School of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine and Exercise Center, University of Florence, 50141 Florence, Italy
Massimo Pagani: BIOMETRA Department, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-10

Abstract: It is well recognized that regular physical activity may improve cardiac autonomic regulation preventing chronic non-communicable diseases. Accordingly, the assessment of cardiac autonomic regulation (CAR) with non-invasive techniques, such as RR interval Variability (V) might be of practical interest. We studied 56 soccer players (21.2 ± 4.2 years.) and 56 controls (22.2 ± 1.5 years.) and used a ranked Autonomic Nervous System Index (ANSI), resulting from the combination of multivariate statistical methodologies applied to spectral analysis derived indices from RRV. We hypothesized that ANSI would be higher in soccer players as compared to controls ( p < 0.001) and that values would be greatest in defenders and midfielders, who are known to run longer distances during competitions. Conversely in the intrinsically stationary goalkeepers ANSI would be similar to controls. Our data show that it is possible to assess the overall level of autonomic performance in soccer players as compared to the general population, using a ranked composite autonomic proxy (ANSI). This approach suggests as well that CAR is better in those players who during competitions run for a greater distance. We conclude that it is possible to highlight the differences in autonomic profile due to distinct exercise routines, using ANSI, a simple ranked, composite autonomic proxy.

Keywords: soccer; cardiovascular regulation; autonomic nervous system; spectral analysis; endurance training; elite athletes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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