heart rate variability, conditioning, overtraining, performance

The aim of this study was to present inter-individual differences in the reaction of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity to the same training program, and to thereby support the importance of individual training in team sports during the conditioning period. Methods: 18 ice hockey players, separated into two groups, were tested. The spectral analysis of heart rate variability (SA HRV) in the orthoclinostatic stimulation was used for the ANS activity assessment. Conclusion: Based on the evidence of relevant differences in ANS activity, the training efficiency (overreaching and injury reduction) can be positively influenced by creating training groups of players with similar ANS activity. In this sense the coach can make a training program easier if the team consists of players with high ANS activity. Consequently, constructing a sports team based on ANS activity monitoring could play a significant role.