A comparison of methods for quantifying training load: relationships between modelled and actual training responses.

PURPOSE: To assess the validity of methods for quantifying training load, fitness and fatigue in endurance athletes using a mathematical model. METHODS: Seven trained runners (VO2max: 51.7 ± 4.5 mL kg(-1) min(-1), age: 38.6 ± 9.4 years, mean ± SD) completed 15 weeks of endurance running training. Training sessions were assessed using a heart rate (HR), running pace and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Training dose was calculated using the session-RPE method, Banisters TRIMP and the running training stress score (rTSS). Weekly running performance (1,500-m time trial), fitness (submaximal HR, resting HR) and fatigue [profile of mood states, heart rate variability (HRV)] were measured. A mathematical model was applied to the training data from each runner to provide individual estimates of performance, fitness and fatigue. Correlations assessed the relationships between the modelled and actual weekly performance, fitness and fatigue measures within each runner. RESULTS: Training resulted in 5.4 ± 2.6 % improvement in 1,500-m performance. Modelled performance was correlated with actual performance in each subject, with relationships being r = 0.70 ± 0.11, 0.60 ± 0.10 and 0.65 ± 0.13 for the rTSS, session-RPE and TRIMP input methods, respectively. There were moderate correlations between modelled and actual fitness (submaximal HR) for the session-RPE (-0.43 ± 0.37) and TRIMP (-0.48 ± 0.39) methods and moderate-to-large correlations between modelled and actual fatigue measured through HRV indices for both session-RPE (-0.48 ± 0.39) and TRIMP (-0.59 ± 0.31) methods. CONCLUSIONS: These findings showed that each of the training load methods investigated are appropriate for quantifying endurance training dose and that submaximal HR and HRV may be useful for monitoring fitness and fatigue, respectively.

Nutritional practices of elite swimmers during an intensified training camp: with particular reference to antioxidants.

AIM: Athletes should match their energy intake with expenditure in order to maintain lean body mass. It is also important to consume adequate amounts of antioxidant vitamins and minerals to maintain health. METHODS: To assess the dietary habits of six nationally ranked Australian swimmers physical training load and dietary intake (24 h food recall) and were recorded on a daily basis during a 4 day intensive physical training period. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference between energy intake and expenditure (P=0.58) or the amount of carbohydrate consumed (P=0.14) compared to the Australian recommended daily intake (RDI). Athletes reported a significantly greater intake of vitamin A (P<0.01), vitamin C (P<0.01), vitamin E (P<0.01) and protein (P<0.01) than the RDI. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that these elite swimmers have an adequate dietary intake to allow for optimal physical training and performance.

Monitoring changes in performance, physiology, biochemistry, and psychology during overreaching and recovery in triathletes.

The present investigation compared responses in previously identified physiological, biochemical, and psychological markers of overreaching in triathletes. Sixteen experienced male triathletes (.VO(2max) [mean +/- SD] = 55.7 +/- 4.9 mL . kg (-1) . min (-1), age = 31.3 +/- 11.7 yr) were divided into matched groups according to physical and performance characteristics, and were randomly assigned to either intensified training (IT) or normal training (NT) groups. Physiological, biochemical, and psychological measures were taken at baseline, following four weeks of overload training and following a two-week taper. The IT group completed 290 % greater physical training load than the NT group during the overload period. The subjects completed a 3-km run time trial (3-km RTT) each week in order to assess the time course of change in endurance performance. 3-km RTT performance was significantly reduced (3.7 +/- 7.5 %; p < 0.05) following four weeks of overload training in the IT group confirming a state of overreaching. During the same period, 3-km RTT performance significantly improved in the NT group (3.0 +/- 1.1 %; p < 0.05). Following the two-week taper, 3-km RTT performance significantly improved in the IT group (7.0 +/- 5.6 %; p < 0.05). Hemoglobin concentration significantly decreased and urea increased in both groups during the overload period (p < 0.05). During the taper hemoglobin normalized with a greater increase in the IT group compared to the NT group (p < 0.05). A significant increase in free testosterone to cortisol ratio was also observed in the IT group compared to the NT group during the taper (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed for any other biochemical variables during the period of investigation. The RESTQ-76 Sport questionnaire showed an impaired recovery-stress state with increased training load, which improved following the taper in the IT group (p < 0.05). These present results suggest that none of the physiological and biochemical variables measured in this study were effective for the early identification of overreaching in experienced triathletes. However, the RESTQ-76 Sport questionnaire may provide a practical tool for recognizing overreaching in its early stages. These findings have implications for monitoring training status in athletes in a practical training setting.