CARDIOVASCULAR ADAPTATION OF ESPORTS ATHLETES: HEART RATE VARIABILITY MONITORING

The research purpose is to study the dynamics of heart rate variability (HRV) indicators of esports athletes throughout the entire game match in the Dota 2 game.

Methods and organization of the research. A study of heart rate variability indicators was conducted in 15 esports athletes during gaming activities in a sitting position using the PowerLab installation. Processing was performed using a specialized HRV module. 

Results and discussion of the research. Continuous monitoring of heart rate variability indices showed different responses depending on the final result of the game. Winners showed increased parasympathetic activity. Changes in HRV observed during the game indicate that eSports provoke a stress response with changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The results of the study show that game changes in Dota 2 have a significant impact on the cardiac activity of esports athletes. 

Conclusion. Heart rate variability has been extensively studied in various sports, both under physical exertion and during cognitive tasks. This study shows that monitoring HRV during esports events can be useful for objectively assessing stress levels. Studying the dynamics of HRV is intended to help athletes concentrate on training, improve or evaluate their performance.

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