Dynamics of autonomic homeostasis under cognitive load in shooters with different types of heart rate regulation

Aim. This paper was aimed at identifying the dynamics of heart rate variability during a 10-day attention training program in shooters with different types of heart rate regulation. Materials and methods. The study involved 17 highly skilled shooters. The subjects were divided into 2 groups, depending on their type of regulation (group I: central, group II: autonomic). The time and frequency domains of heart rate variability and complex indicators of cognitive load were analyzed. Results. Prolonged cognitive load in group I resulted in significant changes in 11 of the 14 studied parameters; in group II, there was a significant change in only one parameter. A short-term load resulted in significant changes in 9 parameters in group I and 8 in group II. Group I was more sensitive to cognitive load and demonstrated large shifts in autonomic homeostasis. Conclusion. Significant differences in HRV dynamics under cognitive load have been established. Group I had more pronounced changes in the autonomic balance towards increased parasympathetic tone compared to Group II.