Work

Heart Rate Variability Differences by Match Phase and Outcome in Elite Male Finnish Padel Players

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: This study aimed to examine changes in heart rate variability (HRV) across three match-related time points (pre-match, during the match, and post-match) and to explore whether these physiological responses differed between winners and losers in competitive padel. Methods: Twelve matches were analyzed, involving 11 high-level Finnish padel players ranked within the national top 24. HRV was recorded before, during, and immediately after each match, with each measurement lasting a minimum of five min. Time-domain (e.g., SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50), frequency-domain (e.g., LF, HF), and non-linear (e.g., SD1, SD2) HRV metrics were extracted for analysis. All matches took place in Tampere, Finland, under controlled conditions. Results: Results revealed significant intra-match fluctuations in HRV across all domains. Moreover, losing players exhibited consistently higher relative heart rate during the match, suggesting greater physiological strain. Conclusions: This study contributes novel evidence on the dynamic nature of autonomic responses in padel and supports the integration of HRV monitoring in performance and recovery management protocols for high-level athletes.

Source: Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

DOI: 10.3390/jfmk10030306

Authors: Rafael Conde-Ripoll, Antonin Jamotte, Jose A. Parraca, Álvaro Bustamante-Sánchez

Institutions: Universidad Europea de Madrid, The University of Western Australia, University of Évora

Language: English

Topic: Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930