Omniathlete

HRV is not a magical window into the entire autonomic nervous system, nor a universal indicator of stress or fatigue. It is a specific cardiac signal, reflecting how the heart is being regulated at a given moment. And if we want HRV to remain a meaningful tool in sport, we need to move beyond outdated concepts and adopt a more accurate, nuanced understanding of what the signal actually represents.

Human movement is not simply the product of muscular contractions or joint mechanics. It emerges from a dynamic interplay between the central nervous system (CNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), where cognition, emotion, and physiology converge to shape how an athlete prepares, executes, and adapts movement. If we want to optimize performance beyond biomechanics, we have to engage with how the body regulates its own internal state.

In contemporary sport, the word “recovery” is sometimes used so casually that it has almost lost its meaning. Athletes and practitioners repeat that recovery is essential, yet the practical interpretation often collapses into a narrow set of routines—usually a foam roller, a massage gun, or a cold plunge. This reductionist view is incompatible with the complexity of human physiology.

by Gursharan Chana, PhD We all know maintaining good hydration contributes significantly to peak physical and mental performance. However, knowing when you have drunk enough fluid to achieve optimal hydration is not clear cut, and relying on your body’s thirst response can lead to significant underestimation in fluid requirements. Why is maintaining fluid balance so important? Water is the main constituent of the human body, comprising 60% of total body weight, with the vital

If you’ve had issues with hydration or cramp in the past and have gone online looking for a solution then the chances are that you’ve seen the term ‘sweat test’ mentioned. In this piece i will explain just what a ‘sweat test’ is, what the options are and how taking one could help you significantly improve your performance. First, Why do Humans Sweat so Much? Here’s a pub-quiz-worthy fact for you, humans sweat considerably more than any other animal on earth. Our sweat rate

A few years ago, during our MSc studies in the Netherlands, we experienced what profound effect the lack of light can have on our bodies, energy levels and mood. After doing extensive research on the topic, we found out that light therapy is a fantastic solution to help us feel more energetic during the dark and gloomy winter days. We experimented with numerous products on the market (light boxes and visors) and realized that there was a need for a light therapy product, whic