The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different training periods and tapering during a macrocycle on heart rate variability (HRV), overtraining states and performance in young elite swimmers. Method Fifteen swimmers (6 men, 9 women) completed an 8-week training period divided into a basic, specific, competitive and transition blocks. HRV measures were recorded 3 days per week before the morning training session in supine position for 5 minutes. Overtraining state was recorded through the questionnaire of early clinical symptoms of the overtraining syndrome (QSFMS), which one considers different contributions to fatigue linked to physical exercising. The overtraining state was registered when the score exceeded 20 negative items out of 54. Training intensity distribution in five zones and training volume were quantified. The results show that, in these elite young swimmers, no changes in HRV were found during the 8-week training period with an average performance improvement (~3%) in the competition block. In addition, there was no relationship between the QSFMS score and HRV. To conclude it appears that HRV indices within normal baseline levels could help to develop a well-managed and periodized training program that allows improves the performance in young elite swimmers.
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