Diagnostic: Autonomic Balance
Autonomic Inputs
Training Prescription:
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Research Protocol: Neural Restoration
The HRV Baseline Shift
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the primary marker for the Autonomic Nervous System. For the 50+ athlete, we prioritize the stability of the baseline over the raw number. A significant drop in HRV indicates sympathetic dominance, signaling that your CNS is still processing the previous training load.
Anabolic Sleep Windows
Sleep architecture shifts as we age, often reducing Deep Slow Wave Sleep (SWS). For the masters athlete, sleep is the only phase where growth hormone release facilitates muscle repair. Falling below 7 hours creates a recovery debt that suppresses the immune response.
Diagnostic Disclaimer: Recovery scores are physiological proxies. Correlate these results with perceived exertion (RPE) and morning mood. If you experience chronic fatigue, consult a physician for overtraining assessment.