Effects of Long-Haul Travel and the Olympic Games on Heart-Rate Variability in Rugby Sevens Medalists

Abstract

Purpose: To report the impact of long-haul travel and the Olympic tournament on heart-rate variability and subjective well-being in a rugby sevens team. Methods: Players (N = 12 men) recorded daily root mean square of successive differences (LnRMSSD) and brief subjective well-being assessments before and throughout the Olympic tournament. Following a 7-day baseline involving a tournament simulation, 2 flights were taken to Brazil (20-h travel and 4-h time gain) on day 1. Matches occurred on days 13 to 15. Undefeated, the team advanced to the gold-medal final. Team staff used a combination of proactive and reactive strategies to support training adaptations, mitigate negative effects of travel, and facilitate recovery from competition. Results: Peak LnRMSSD values from the preceding preparatory period were observed at baseline. Perceived recovery was impaired on day 1 following tournament simulation (P < .05). Lower and less stable LnRMSSD trends were observed in players within the first week following long-haul travel (P < .05), evident primarily in nonstarters (effect size = unclear to very large) versus starters (effect size = unclear). Status markers were subsequently maintained at baseline or improved prior to the tournament and were minimally affected by competition (P > .05). Changes in LnRMSSD were associated (P < .05) with changes in perceived recovery (day 14, ρ = .64) and sleep quality (day 15, ρ = .69) during the tournament. Conclusions: Attentiveness to player health and well-being throughout preparation, travel, and the Olympic tournament potentially mitigated decrements in status markers, thereby reducing potential for fatigue or stress-related performance impairment.