Telic-Paratelic Dominance and Heart Rate Variability in Athletes Engaged in Power and Endurance Training.

The article focuses on evaluating telic-paratelic tendencies—psychological orientations described by reversal theory—and heart rate variability (HRV) among endurance-trained (ET), power-trained (PT) athletes, and untrained individuals. The study found no significant differences in telic-paratelic tendencies between ET and PT athletes, but both athlete groups exhibited a greater telic tendency, characterized by planning orientation and seriousness, compared to untrained participants who showed a higher paratelic tendency. HRV measures were higher in paratelic ET athletes than their telic counterparts, suggesting lower stress and greater adaptability in these athletes. The findings indicate that long-term sports training is associated with distinct personality traits and autonomic nervous system activity, which may inform tailored coaching strategies to optimize training effectiveness.