Evolution of heart rate and HRV parameters by period.

Data are presented as mean group values for each period. Period 1: from stage 1 until stage 9 inclusive, period 2 from stage 10 until stage 15 inclusive, period 3 from stage 16 until stage 21 inclusive. Post: post-Tour period. Statistical differences: Different from baseline * (P P P P < 0.05). HR: heart rate; RMSSD: root mean square of the successive differences; HF: high frequency; LF: low frequency; ms: milliseconds; n.u.: normalized units; TRIMPS: training impulse.