Work Tests to Evaluate Performance

Factors That Contribute to Physical Performance

What the Athlete Gains From Physiological Testing Information regarding strengths and weaknesses –Can serve as baseline data to plan training programs Feedback regarding effectiveness of training program Understanding about the physiology of exercise

Effective Physiological Testing Relevant to the sport Valid and reliable Sport-specific Repeated at regular intervals Carefully controlled procedures Interpreted to the coach and athlete

Testing of Maximal Aerobic Power VO 2max testing –Should be specific to athlete’s sport –Should use large muscle groups –Optimal test length: minutes Criteria of VO 2max –Respiratory exchange ratio  1.15 –HR in last stage  10 beatsmin -1 of HR max –Plateau in VO 2 with increasing work rate

Determining VO 2max

Testing Peak VO 2 in Paraplegic Athletes Paraplegic athletes can be tested using arm exercise –Arm ergometers –Wheelchair ergometers Highest VO 2 measured during arm exercise is not considered VO 2max –Called “peak VO 2 ”

Laboratory Tests to Predict Endurance Performance Lactate threshold –Exercise intensity at which blood lactic acid begins to systematically increase –Blood samples taken during incremental exercise

Lactate Threshold

Ventilatory Threshold

Critical power –Speed at which running speed/time curve reaches plateau

Critical Power

Peak running velocity –Highest speed that can be maintained for >5 seconds

Predicting Performance From Peak Running Velocity

Tests to Determine Running Economy Measurement of the oxygen cost of running at various speeds –Greater running economy reflected in lower oxygen cost Higher economy means that less energy is expended to maintain a given speed

Running Economy

Running Economy and LT Results From Incremental Exercise Test

Estimating 10,000m Running Time Using LT and Running Economy VO 2 at LT –40 mlkg -1 min -1 VO 2 of 40 mlkg -1 min -1 –equals running speed of 205 mmin -1 Estimated 10,000m running time 10,000m  205 mmin -1 = min

Energy System Contribution to Maximal Exercise

Determination of Maximal Anaerobic Power Ultra short-term tests Tests ATP-PC system Examples –Margaria power test Stair running –Jumping power tests –Running power tests Series of 40-yard dashes –Cycling power tests Short-term tests Tests anaerobic glycolysis Examples –Cycling tests Wingate test –Running tests –Sport-specific tests

The Margaria Power Test

Series of 40-yard Dashes to Test Anaerobic Power

Evaluation of Muscular Strength Isometric measurement –Static force of muscle using tensiometer Isotonic measurement –Constant tension –1 RM lift, handgrip/back-lift dynamometer Isokinetic measurement –Variable resistance at constant speed Variable resistance devices –Variable resistance over range of motion

Isometric Measurement Using Cable Tensiometer

Isotonic Measurement Using Dynamometry

Isokinetic Measurement of Strength Using Cybex Dynamometer

Printout From Isokinetic Dynamometer