Background: Biathlon is a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. There is no well-described model of performance is this multi-sport event. This study aimed to identify the parameters influencing biathlon performance. In addition, the study aimed to search for a relationship between performance and measured blood parameters and to determine whether higher haemoglobin concentration [Hb] was associated with improved performance. Methods: Eighty-three male biathletes underwent pre-competition blood sampling in selected World Cup competitions. For all athletes (n=83) and for a subgroup of top-athletes (n=37), performance parameters identified were related to final standings by univariate and multiple regression analyses and, subsequently, to blood parameters measured on the same day. In athletes tested twice with different [Hb], performance corresponding to competitions with lower and higher [Hb] was compared. Results: Among the parameters considered, the percent variation for both groups in best skiing time and percent of missed targets were independent determinants of performance (R2=0.853, 0.834, respectively) and were not correlated to blood parameters. In athletes with two samples, despite significantly different [Hb], no corresponding changes in performance were observed. Conclusion: In this study, the determinants of biathlon performance were identified. A relationship between measured blood parameters was not found, and the individual [Hb] variations observed were not associated with improved performance.
Blood parameters and Biathlon performance
MANFREDINI, Fabio;MALAGONI, Anna Maria;FELISATTI, Michele;MANDINI, Simona;
2009
Abstract
Background: Biathlon is a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. There is no well-described model of performance is this multi-sport event. This study aimed to identify the parameters influencing biathlon performance. In addition, the study aimed to search for a relationship between performance and measured blood parameters and to determine whether higher haemoglobin concentration [Hb] was associated with improved performance. Methods: Eighty-three male biathletes underwent pre-competition blood sampling in selected World Cup competitions. For all athletes (n=83) and for a subgroup of top-athletes (n=37), performance parameters identified were related to final standings by univariate and multiple regression analyses and, subsequently, to blood parameters measured on the same day. In athletes tested twice with different [Hb], performance corresponding to competitions with lower and higher [Hb] was compared. Results: Among the parameters considered, the percent variation for both groups in best skiing time and percent of missed targets were independent determinants of performance (R2=0.853, 0.834, respectively) and were not correlated to blood parameters. In athletes with two samples, despite significantly different [Hb], no corresponding changes in performance were observed. Conclusion: In this study, the determinants of biathlon performance were identified. A relationship between measured blood parameters was not found, and the individual [Hb] variations observed were not associated with improved performance.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
