Heart Rate Variability and Track Athletes: Biofeedback Application in Performance Enhancement

Most athletes are familiar with, and have experienced anxiety and stress that reduces their performance. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a well-established non-invasive tool which can be used to study the effect of mental stress and anxiety on autonomic control of the heart rate. HRV technique teaches athletes how to self regulate these functions through diaphragmatic breathing performed at an optimal pace to ensure coherence between heart rate and respiration. HRV is used in sports to maximize emotional stability, focus, concentration, and physical coordination. This Book will help/guide the athlete about the effectiveness of HRV biofeedback training on the psycho-physiological performance of track athlete.

Rakesh Choudhary is currently working as Assistant Professor in Department of Physical Therapy at Ayushman College, Bhopal, India. He has done his Post Graduation in Sports Physiotherapy from Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, India. He has special interest in the field of Manual therapy and Rehabilitation of Sports specific injuries.