Respuesta autonómica cardíaca y ventilación voluntaria máxima en deportistas paralímpicos con deficiencia en la potencia muscular

Abstract

Introduction: The autonomic nervous system regulates homeostasis and cardiovascular control. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of autonomic balance and provides insight into athletes physiological adaptation to training. In athletes with spinal cord injury, impairments in sympathetic control alter autonomic nervous system responses, making their assessment particularly relevant in Paralympic sport. Aim: Describe cardiac autonomic responses in Paralympic athletes with impaired muscle power by assessing HRV at rest, during exercise, and during recovery. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 23 athletes from four Paralympic sports. HRV was assessed in three phases: at rest, during a maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) maneuver, and during recovery in the seated position. Results: MVV values were within the normal range, whereas HRV demonstrated sympathetic predominance at rest, a further increase in sympathetic activity during exertion, and incomplete vagal recovery. Statistically significant differences were observed between athletes who used a wheelchair for sport and those who did not in the SD2/SD1 ratio, SD1%, and SD2% indices at rest. Conclusion: Para athletes with impaired muscle power exhibited predominant sympathetic modulation and differences in autonomic responses according to wheelchair use for sport. These findings highlight the value of HRV and MVV as complementary tools for the monitoring and comprehensive evaluation of Paralympic athletes.