Heart Rate Variability And Direct Current Characteristics During Successive Futsal Matches In Female Players

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the heart rate variability (HRV), direct current potential (DC) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) changes before and after successive futsal competitive matches (5 matches in 8 days) in female soccer players. And determine the relationship between changes in HRV, DC and RPE in response to the match. METHODS: Twenty elite female futsal players (19.2 ± 1.1 years,163.9 ± 4.7 cm,55.4 ± 5.4 kg) were evaluated during a competitive period with 5 successive matches in the women's futsal league of China in 2022. HRV and DC were collected by OmegaWave Sport Technology system before and after each match. The root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), R-R intervals (SDNN), DC potentials, low frequencies (LF), high frequencies (HF), and LF/HF were analyzed. It was also collected RPE scores before and after each match. RESULTS: In time domain analysis, RMSSD (before, 50.09 ± 24.35 ms; after, 34.29 ± 19.51 ms; P < 0.01), SDNN (before, 58.94 ± 23.21 ms; after, 38.49 ± 19.62 ms; P < 0.01), DC (before, 18.8 ± 4.9 mV; after, 10.6 ± 4.2 mV; P < 0.05) were significantly reduced after the match, while mean HR values were higher (P < 0.01) than before the match. Meanwhile, frequency domain analysis showed HF (in normalized units; before, 65.58 ± 18.02; after, 51.21 ± 25.32 ms; P < 0.05) after match was significantly lower than before the match, while LF/HF and LF (in normalized units; before, 34.42 ± 18.02; after, 48.79 ± 25.32 ms; P < 0.05) were higher after the match. RMSSD, DC, and RPE were different after compared to before the match. Moderate associations between ΔRMSSD and ΔRPE (r = -0.55) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Changes were observed in HRV and DC values after the match, suggesting an increase of sympathetic influence and a reduction of the parasympathetic influence. Athletes with higher perceived fatigue demonstrated greater reductions in RMSSD throughout futsal matches.