Multiple factor analysis as a tool for studying the effect of physical training on the autonomic nervous system

Sports activity may modify cardio-vascular regulation through the Autonomic Nervous System, the results of the studies previously performed in athletes depend on the type of HRV analysis is subjected to, the populations studied and the physical training period The drawback of these studies comes from an analysis parameter by parameter whereas the problem is inherently multifactorial. A method based on multiple factorial analysis is proposed in this study. Multivariate analysis results confirmed the existence of differences in the ANS in athletes depending on the training period and the sport discipline. Multiple Factorial Analysis provides a very powerful tool allowing the confrontation of whole information, which is more rich than an examination parameter by parameter to assess autonomic nervous system.