Background: Substances and methods used to increase the oxygen blood transport and the athlete's performance can be detected but the screening phase performed by International Federations remains a critical issue. The project AR.IE.T.T.A. aimed to develop a software able to analyze athletes’ haematological and performance profile and to point out those reflecting an abnormal pattern. Methods: 120 Athletes belonging to the International Biathlon Union gave their written informed consent to the study. The haematological and performance data, previously collected were used to develop the AR.I.E.T.T.A. software. Results: The software includes the following sections: 1) Log-in 2) Data-Entry: data can be loaded, stored and grouped 3) Analysis: data can be analysed, validated scores calculated, parameters displayed simultaneously as statistics, table/graphs, individual or subpopulation profiles 4) Screening: an immediate evaluation of the risk score of the present sample and/or the athlete under study can be obtained. The risk score is calculated combining different parameters, absolute values and inter-intra-individual variations considered concurrently with different weights. Conclusions: AR.I.E.T.T.A. software enables a quick evaluation of blood results, favouring surveillance programs and timely target testing controls on athletes by the International Federations. Future studies aiming to validate the risk score and to improve the diagnostic phase will enable an upgrade of the system.
Searching for a tool to improve the anti-Doping action: the Project AR.I.E.T.T.A. (Artificial Intelligence Evoking Target Testing In Antidoping)
MANFREDINI, Fabio;MALAGONI, Anna Maria;FELISATTI, Michele;
2008
Abstract
Background: Substances and methods used to increase the oxygen blood transport and the athlete's performance can be detected but the screening phase performed by International Federations remains a critical issue. The project AR.IE.T.T.A. aimed to develop a software able to analyze athletes’ haematological and performance profile and to point out those reflecting an abnormal pattern. Methods: 120 Athletes belonging to the International Biathlon Union gave their written informed consent to the study. The haematological and performance data, previously collected were used to develop the AR.I.E.T.T.A. software. Results: The software includes the following sections: 1) Log-in 2) Data-Entry: data can be loaded, stored and grouped 3) Analysis: data can be analysed, validated scores calculated, parameters displayed simultaneously as statistics, table/graphs, individual or subpopulation profiles 4) Screening: an immediate evaluation of the risk score of the present sample and/or the athlete under study can be obtained. The risk score is calculated combining different parameters, absolute values and inter-intra-individual variations considered concurrently with different weights. Conclusions: AR.I.E.T.T.A. software enables a quick evaluation of blood results, favouring surveillance programs and timely target testing controls on athletes by the International Federations. Future studies aiming to validate the risk score and to improve the diagnostic phase will enable an upgrade of the system.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
