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Applying Heart Rate Variability to Monitor Health and Performance in Tactical Personnel: A Narrative Review

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  • Mark D. Stephenson

    (Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA)

  • Andrew G. Thompson

    (Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA)

  • Justin J. Merrigan

    (Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA)

  • Jason D. Stone

    (Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA)

  • Joshua A. Hagen

    (Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA)

Abstract

Human performance optimization of tactical personnel requires accurate, meticulous, and effective monitoring of biological adaptations and systemic recovery. Due to an increased understanding of its importance and the commercial availability of assessment tools, the use of heart rate variability (HRV) to address this need is becoming more common in the tactical community. Measuring HRV is a non-invasive, practical method for objectively assessing a performer’s readiness, workload, and recovery status; when combined with additional data sources and practitioner input, it provides an affordable and scalable solution for gaining actionable information to support the facilitation and maintenance of operational performance. This narrative review discusses the non-clinical use of HRV for assessing, monitoring, and interpreting autonomic nervous system resource availability, modulation, effectiveness, and efficiency in tactical populations. Broadly, HRV metrics represent a complex series of interactions resulting from internal and external stimuli; therefore, a general overview of HRV applications in tactical personnel is discussed, including the influence of occupational specific demands, interactions between cognitive and physical domains, and recommendations on implementing HRV for training and recovery insights into critical health and performance outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark D. Stephenson & Andrew G. Thompson & Justin J. Merrigan & Jason D. Stone & Joshua A. Hagen, 2021. "Applying Heart Rate Variability to Monitor Health and Performance in Tactical Personnel: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:8143-:d:606334
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giuseppe Gancitano & Antonio Baldassarre & Luigi Isaia Lecca & Nicola Mucci & Marco Petranelli & Mario Nicolia & Antonio Brancazio & Andrea Tessarolo & Giulio Arcangeli, 2021. "HRV in Active-Duty Special Forces and Public Order Military Personnel," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Justin J. Merrigan & Jason D. Stone & Andrew G. Thompson & W. Guy Hornsby & Joshua A. Hagen, 2020. "Monitoring Neuromuscular Performance in Military Personnel," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-26, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mark D. Stephenson & Ben Schram & Elisa F. D. Canetti & Robin Orr, 2022. "Effects of Acute Stress on Psychophysiology in Armed Tactical Occupations: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-9, February.
    2. Zefeng Lian & Binyi Liu & Robert D. Brown, 2023. "Exploring the Predictive Potential of Physiological Measures of Human Thermal Strain in Outdoor Environments in Hot and Humid Areas in Summer—A Case Study of Shanghai, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-15, March.

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