Recovery behavior after matches for returning to training in volleyball athletes

The aim of this research was to evaluate the behavior of vertical jumps performance in professional volleyball athletes during matches and training and their relationships with fatigue and recovery through heart rate variability (HRV), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived recovery status (PRS). Nine male professional volleyball athletes participated in the study, with mean age: 25.66 ± 5.7 years, mean body mass: 97.81 ± 8.65 Kg and mean height: 200.94 ± 5.19 cm, with experience in national and international competitions. HRV and PRS were evaluated in the morning of matches and in the presentation for the first day of training after matches. RPE was collected immediately after matches and at the end of training days. Jumps performance was monitored during the matches and during the first days of training. The data was grouped by matches and training sessions. Significance level adopted was α ≤ 0.05. There were no alterations in HRV and PRS evaluated after matches and before training sessions, as well as in RPE after training. Jumps height was greater during the matches (p< 0.013) and there were no differences in the number of jumps. There was a positive correlation between the number of jumps during matches and PRS before matches (r= 0.336, p= 0.015) and a negative correlation between the number of jumps during training and pre-training PRS (r= -0.318, p= 0.002). We conclude that the recovery period proposed by the team proved to be sufficient for the athletes to maintain the same condition for returning to training. This information can assist physical trainers to prescribe training loads for the return to training.