Understanding Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the variation in time between heartbeats, reflecting the body's response to various physiological influences. It is distinct from simple heart rate, which counts beats per minute, as HRV provides insight into the autonomic nervous system's balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Increased variability is generally associated with better health and recovery, while decreased variability can signal fatigue or stress. Therefore, understanding HRV is critical for athletes, as it can help them gauge their recovery status and overall well-being.