Background: Physical exercise and sports training have a beneficial effect on the cardiac autonomic profile of individuals. The exact impact of sports discipline on the autonomic profile is still unclear. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the differences in the cardiac autonomic profile of archers and boxers, using the measurement of heart rate variability.
Methodology: Time domain and frequency domain parameters of heart rate variability were studied in 28 sports persons (15 boxers and 13 archers) using the Neurobiofeedback (Biograph Infiniti, Thought Technology). The measurements were done for 10 minutes for each individual in resting state. All HRV parameters were compared for both the groups using independent samples t-test in SPSS 17.
Results: The mean of the LF/HF ratio for boxers is 2.31 and archers 1.32 (p<0.05). HF and SDRR in archers were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in boxers. All these results indicate greater parasympathetic drive in archers. No significant difference was found in other parameters of HRV. Conclusions: Sport specific training leads to a difference in the autonomic profile of sports persons. Boxing is a sport which is aggressive and requires flight and fight responses, which explains the greater sympathetic tone in boxers as compared to archers, which is a more relaxed and focused game. Archery has a favorable effect on the cardiac autonomic profile.
