REVIEW ARTICLE
Cardiology
doi: 10.25005/2074-0581-2026-28-1-152-161
HEART RATE VARIABILITY AS A MARKER OF TRAINING READINESS IN ATHLETES

B.B. DONIYOROV1, Z.F. MAVLYANOVA1, M.T. KHAMDAMOVA2

1Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan
2Bukhara State Medical Institute named after Abu Ali ibn Sino, Bukhara, Republic of Uzbekistan

Objective: This article presents a literature review on the role of heart rate variability (HRV) in predicting athletes' training readiness, assessing autonomic nervous system (ANS) status, and evaluating the body's adaptive capacity. Common HRV analysis methods, including SDNN, rMSSD, HF, LF, and the LF/HF ratio, and their practical applications in sports are discussed. Emphasis is placed on using HRV monitoring to prevent overtraining and physical exhaustion. Purpose of the study: To systematize existing data on HRV analysis for assessing training readiness and to develop evidence-based recommendations for adapting training programs.

Methods: An analysis of 60 peer-reviewed studies published in the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases was conducted (January 2018 – December 2024). Keywords included: "heart rate variability". "training readiness", "athletes", "recovery", and "overtraining". Inclusion criteria required studies providing HRV data (SDNN, rMSSD, HF, LF, LF/HF) in athletic populations during training and recovery. Non-peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, and non-athletic studies were excluded.

Results: High SDNN and rMSSD values correlate significantly with recovery and readiness, whereas decreased HF and an increased LF/HF ratio are associated with fatigue and elevated injury risk. Regular HRV monitoring was found to reduce the risk of overtraining by 34% and injury by 27%. External factors, including sleep deprivation, psychological stress, and caloric deficits, significantly impact HRV metrics. The study provides recommendations for daily HRV monitoring, individualized training and recovery programming, and the consideration of gender and age-specific differences. The practical value lies in visualizing HRV trends to inform real-time adjustments to training.

Conclusion: HRV analysis is a robust and promising method for assessing physiological readiness and preventing injury, enabling coaches and practitioners to make timely, data-driven adjustments to training loads.

Keywords: Heart rate variability, training readiness, athletes, autonomic nervous system, recovery, overtraining.

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Authors' information:

Doniyorov Bakhriddin Bakhrom ugli,
PhD Candidate of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Traditional Medicine, Samarkand State Medical University
Scopus ID: 57224063696
ORCID ID: 0009-0004-2495-8667
E-mail: zoxiroshbaxromov@gmail.com

Mavlyanova Zilola Farkhadovna,
DSc, Full Professor, Head of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Traditional Medicine, Samarkand State Medical University
Scopus ID: 57224063696
ORCID ID: 0000-0001-7862-2625
E-mail: reab.sammi@mail.ru

Кhamdamova Mukhayokhon Tukhtasinovna,
DSc, Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bukhara State Medical Institute named after Abu Ali ibn Sino
Scopus ID: 57224063696
ORCID ID: 0000-0003-3128-6120
E-mail: muhayo-1969@mail.ru

Information about support in the form of grants, equipment, medications

The author did not receive financial support from manufacturers of medicines and medical equipment

Conflicts of interest: No conflict

Address for correspondence:

Mavlyanova Zilola Farkhadovna,
DSc Full Professor, Head of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Sports Medi- cine and Traditional Medicine, Samarkand State Medical University

140100, Republic of Uzbekistan, Samarkand, Amir Temur str., 18

Теl.: +998 (915) 229391

E-mail: reab.sammi@mail.ru


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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