Abstract

The so-called method of integral assessment finds its wider application in assessments of the functional state of athletes. The aim of this study was to determine which method, heuristic or integral assessment of electrocardiogram (ECG) indices allows finding out more differences when it comes to assessing relatively small differences in functional preparedness. The participants of the study were two groups of football players, i.e. 23 sportsmen, members of Lithuanian Olympic team and 23 players from one of the best football club of Lithuania. All subjects of the study performed a Roufier exercise test (30 squats per 45 s) with a continuous recording of standard 12-lead ECG. The heart rate, JT interval, ratio of intervals JT/RR and ST-segment depression were analysed. With the purpose to assess the tuning between the changes of RR and JT intervals of ECG during exercising the index of velocity of adaptation to exercise load was defined VAd = (JT/JT0)100%-(RRi /RR0)100%. The peculiarities of recovery after workfoads were assessed by evaluating the time of half period of recovery (1/2T) of registered ECG indices. The results obtained during the study showed that there were not found out the significant differences between cohorts while comparing the ECG parameters before exercising. During exercising there was found only one statistically significant variable, i.e. football club team cohort had a higher values in index of velocity of adaptation than cohort of members of Lithuanian Olympic team. There were found significant differences between cohorts while comparing two indices of 1/2T during the recovery after exercising, i.e. 1/2THR and 1/2TJT/RR has the highest values in football club team cohort. All indices applied in our assessment can be divided into two groups, i.e. the heuristic and integral. The results obtained during this study show unambiguously in favour of the latter. In conclusion, the results .obtained during the study showed that only methods providing the information about integrity or complexity of body functioning can more precisely reveal relatively small differences between two groups of highly skilled athletes. Verf.-Referat