The purpose of this study is to map out how planned training is carried out during the time of ski high school students at RIG (Riksidrottsgymnasium). The aim is to better understand which types of training sessions require careful evaluation, as they may be executed with insufficient quality. For instance, if an individual trains for 2 hours according to the heart rate monitor, they may have only completed 1.5 hours of effective training based on movement registration.
Heart rate does not show training intensity
Our research has demonstrated limitations in the registration of training intensity between different methods, especially during high-intensity skiing with and without a rifle (Craig A. Staunton et al., 2022). This study revealed the highest heart rate during downhill skiing when individuals recorded the lowest activity via accelerometer data.
Additionally, we have shown that heart rate values are too low at the beginning of interval sessions but vice versa later in the session when the heart rate is significantly higher than expected based on mechanical work (Staunton, Andersson, Skovereng, & Björklund, 2022). Overall, these studies indicate that heart rate may not accurately reflect the mechanical work during high-intensity training sessions.
Research question
The research question is built on two parts. The first is to study how well ski biathlon high school students manage to carry out planned training by comparing planned training with both what the athlete registers and what is measured as actual training time during the study. The second part is to study specific key sessions, such as skiing with a rifle versus without a rifle, dryland training versus snow training, etc. This is to better understand the true load of training on the athlete. This means that we want to study if:
- endurance training is sufficiently effective and
- the intensity of high-intensity sessions is of good quality.
More efficient training is the goal
The goal is, therefore, not to add or extend training sessions but rather to make existing training more efficient. We believe there is significant potential to find specific keys to improve the training already conducted at Sollefteå RIG Ski Biathlon. The hope is that the study will also have a positive impact on how to get more out of training, which hopefully leads to more individuals choosing to continue with biathlon at a high level after completing high school.
References
Staunton, C. A., Andersson, E. P., Skovereng, K., & Björklund, G. (2022). Heart Rate Does Not Accurately Predict Metabolic Intensity During Variable-Intensity Roller Skiing or Cycling. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 17(12), 1664-1671. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2022-0114
Staunton, C. A., Sloof, L., Brandts, M., Jonsson Kårström, M., Laaksonen, M. S., & Björklund, G. (2022). The Effect of Rifle Carriage on the Physiological and Accelerometer Responses During Biathlon Skiing. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4, 1-15. doi:10.3389/fspor.2022.813784
This project is a continuation of a previous collaborative project within the framework of MIUN 2021/452, KS66/2021.
