The aim was meta-analyze the effect of different type of overloads on root-meansquare difference of successive normal RR intervals (RMSSD, i.e. parasympathetic modulation) of athletes. The analysis of the 14 studies selected (20 subgroups within studies), compared RMSSD of the same athletes before and after an overload period. RMSSD of athletes were lower at precompetition compared to baseline (SMD=- 0.50 [-0.83; -0.18], p=0.002), while volume, volume/intensity and post-competition showed similar RMSSD than their respective normal load periods. Thus, pre-competition overload period impairs parasympathetic modulation while the other subgroups of overload period from higher training volume/intensity, volume, or post-competition did not alter RMSSD.

Apoio/Financiamento da Pesquisa: PIBIC/CNPq