ASSESSING ADAPTIVE CAPACITY IN SWIMMERS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL IMPAIRMENTS IN DIFFERENT TRAINING PERIODS

Abstract

Aim. This paper aims to assess the adaptive capacity of the cardioregulatory system in swimmers with musculoskeletal impairments during the preparatory and pre-competitive phases. Materials and methods. The study involved three swimmers with musculoskeletal impairments (class S6–8 according to the international classification) aged 15–18 years. Their athletic qualifications were as follows: an International Class Master of Sport and a member of the Russian national team, a Master of Sport, and a First Sports Category athlete. Heart rate variability was assessed in the supine (5 minutes) and standing (6 minutes) positions using the Varikard 2.51 device and Iskim-6 software over a 21-day period during the preparatory (3 microcycles) and pre-competitive (1 microcyle) phases, with measurements taken in the morning before training. Results. Heart rate variability analysis showed that swimmers with musculoskeletal impairments have distinct baseline cardioregulatory profiles during training, which in turn affects their adaptive capacities. Conclusion. The study revealed different levels of cardioregulatory performance in athletes, reflecting differences in their functional capacities. It was further established that the most highly qualified swimmer with musculoskeletal impairments exhibited an optimal state of cardioregulatory mechanisms and high reserve capacity, which enabled successful competitive performance.