Understanding how heart rate variability affects exercise performance and training load

Exploring the Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Training Load, and Exercise Performance

This study is testing how heart rate variability affects exercise performance and training load to help athletes train better based on their mood, anxiety, and recovery.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 25 Years to 50 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: PepsiCo Global R&D (industry)
• Locations: 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06425939 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV), training load, and exercise performance using Whoop wrist-worn trackers. It aims to determine if high training intensity during low HRV periods negatively impacts performance metrics measured by force plates. The study will also explore the connection between subjective feelings of mood, anxiety, and recovery with HRV and sleep patterns. Participants will be monitored over a period of time to assess these relationships and develop personalized training recommendations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 21-50 who actively participate in resistance training 2-4 times per week.

Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions that interfere with informed consent or compliance, or those with sleep disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to personalized training strategies that optimize exercise performance and recovery for individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using HRV to guide training, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Actively participating in resistance training 2-4 times per week.
2. Age 21-50 years, male and female.
3. Subject is willing to refrain from vigorous exercise (light physical activity only) 24 hours prior to visit(s).
4. Subject is willing to avoid alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to visit(s).
5. Subject is willing to provide consent.
6. Subject is able to continuously wear a wrist-worn device, including during sleep, except when submerged underwater (i.e., swimming, bathing).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individual has a condition the Investigator believes would interfere with his ability to provide informed consent, comply with the project/study protocol, which might confound the interpretation of the project/study results or put the person at undue risk.
2. Those with a medical history that would interfere with the results of this study.
3. Under the care of a physician.
4. Skin sensitivities.
5. Sleep disorders.
6. Using prescription medications that would impact sleep.
7. If female, you are not pregnant, planning to get pregnant or currently breast feeding.
8. Smoker.
9. Not able to wear wrist-worn device continuously.
10. Lack of proficiency in English.
11. Lack of proficiency or access to the internet and email address.
12. Participation in another clinical trial within the past 30 days.
13. Subject is employed by, or has a parent, guardian, or other immediate family member employed by a company that manufactures any products that compete with any Gatorade product. If subject is unsure if a company would be considered a competitor to Gatorade, they will be asked to please let the study investigator know the name of the other company and the nature of their relationship to that company before they sign the informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations

• PepsiCo R&D, Gatorade Sports Science Institute — Chicago, Illinois, United States (RECRUITING)
• PepsiCo R&D, Gatorade Sports Science Institute — Frisco, Texas, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Corey Ungaro, PhD — PepsiCo, Inc. Sports Science
• Study coordinator: Corey Ungaro, PhD

Conditions: Heart Rate Variability, Exercise, exercise performance, HRV, training load, Whoop, wrist worn tracker, exercise recovery