Bisschoff, Christo A.Coetzee, BenEsco, Michael R.2018-05-102018-05-102018Bisschoff, C.A. et al. 2018. Heart rate variability and recovery as predictors of elite, African, male badminton players’ performance levels. International journal of performance analysis in sport, 18(1):1-16. [https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1437868]2474-86681474-8185 (Online)http://hdl.handle.net/10394/26857https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1437868https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24748668.2018.1437868The aim of this study was to determine whether pre-match, in-match, resting and post-match heart rate variability (HRV) as well as resting and post-match heart rate recovery (HRR) can serve as significant predictors of male, elite, African, singles badminton players’ performance levels. Twenty-two male badminton players were categorised into successful and less successful player groups according to match results. Heart rates were recorded every second before (pre-match), during (in-match) and directly after (post-match) 46 matches to determine 14 HRV and 2 HRR indices. Binary, forward, stepwise logistic regression analyses’ results showed that log transformed low frequency to high frequency ratio (Ln-LFnu/Ln-HFnu ratio) and peak very low frequency power (VLF power (Hz)), were significantly (p < .05) related to group allocation of successful and less successful badminton players. Overall model fit was good and 75% of players could be classified into their original groups by making use of the HRV-based logistic regression formulas. Furthermore, all models had a large effect in predicting player classification, although only the pre- and in-match models emerged as being useful. In conclusion, short-term frequency domain-related HRV variables are related to badminton match performances and should be considered when measuring HRV in sport and exercise settingsenAutonomic nervous systemHeart rate variabilityBadmintonPerformanceArticle