The Prevalence of Heart Rate Variability Monitoring Among a Sample of Habitual Runners

Introduction: The measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) draws widespread attention among athletes and researchers, but few data are available on the use and application of HRV in runners. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of HRV monitoring and the adjustment of training based on HRV among a sample of habitual runners. Methods: Runners (18-65 yr) who reported running ≥3 d·wk-1 for ≥6 months and competing in ≥2 races annually completed a 13-item survey on training habits and the use of wearable devices. Chi-square analysis was used to detect differences in the prevalence of HRV monitoring between genders, age groups, and competitive levels. Unpaired t-tests were used to compare training frequency (d∙wk-1), volume (hr∙wk-1), and experience (years running) between HRV trackers and nontrackers and between competitive and noncompetitive runners. Statistical significance was accepted at p≤0.05. Results: Out of N=210 respondents (17.7±8.81 yr experience, 3.78±0.98 d∙wk-1 frequency), 47% (n=99) reported regularly monitoring HRV. More HRV users (χ2=4.89, p=0.027) were male (57.6%, n=57) than female (42.4%, n=42). HRV monitoring was similar between “competitive” vs. “recreational” runners (χ2=0.486, p=0.49). 71% of HRV trackers used Garmin© devices while only 20% reported adjusting training based on HRV. Conclusions: HRV measurement is prevalent among runners, but is not frequently used to alter training.