Variability of heart rhythm and features of psychological status in young hockey players

Aim. To study the heart rate variability and characteristics of psychological status in young hockey players in professional sports.

Methods. 65 young hockey players of «Salavat Yulaev» children’s youth sports school of Olympic reserve were examined. The mean age was 14.7±0.5 years, sports experience - 8.75±1.5 years. Determination of the vegetative regulation type and spectral analysis of heart rate variability was performed on a hardware-software «Polispektr-8» complex manufactured by «Neurosoft». Vegetative regulation state was determined by the vagosympathetic balance ratio (LF/HF). The following parameters of heart rate variability were measured: TP (total power of spectrum), HF (high-frequency waves power), LF (low-frequency waves power), VLF (very low frequency waves power), heart rate was calculated. A questionnaire survey was performed using five-factor personality questionnaire known as the «Big Five».

Results. Parasympathetic type of vegetative tone regulation was identified in 30 (46.1%) of young hockey players, balanced initial vegetative tone - in 28 (43.1%) patients, sympathetic type - in 7 (10.8%) patients. Changing of the vegetative regulation type in athletes with sympathetic regulation demonstrates a shift in autonomic balance towards the predominance of sympathetic influence, which is non-physiological for athletes. Such a state of maladjustment can lead to overwork, overstrain, significant reduction in work efficiency and later - to the development of diseases and injuries. According to psychological testing signs of mental and emotional stress and adaptive processes strain were revealed.

Conclusion. The results of the study allow to reasonably implement a differentiated approach to psychological support of the training process taking in account the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.