Intensity Profile during an Ultra-endurance Triathlon in Relation to Testing and Performance

Abstract We examined the heart rate (HR)-based intensity profile during an ultra-endurance triathlon (UET) estimated from the individual HR-oxygen uptake (˙VO 2 ) relationship during specific graded tests, relating it to race performance. 9 male ultra-endurance triathletes completed the study. Befor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sports medicine 2014-12, Vol.35 (14), p.1170-1178
Main Authors: Barrero, A., Chaverri, D., Erola, P., Iglesias, X., Rodríguez, F. A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Bicycling - physiology
Biological and medical sciences
Exercise Test
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Heart Rate - physiology
Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Oxygen Consumption - physiology
Physical Endurance - physiology
Respiratory Physiological Phenomena
Running - physiology
Swimming - physiology
Training & Testing
Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
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Summary:Abstract We examined the heart rate (HR)-based intensity profile during an ultra-endurance triathlon (UET) estimated from the individual HR-oxygen uptake (˙VO 2 ) relationship during specific graded tests, relating it to race performance. 9 male ultra-endurance triathletes completed the study. Before racing, subjects performed graded exercise tests involving cycle (C) ergometry, treadmill running (R) and free swimming (S) for peak ˙VO 2 and HR at ventilatory thresholds (VT). Exercise-specific HR-˙VO 2 regression equations were developed. Mean race HR was higher during S (149.2 (10.1) bpm) than during C (137.1 (5.7) bpm) and R (136.2 (10.5) bpm). During C and R, HR was below both VT (11% and 27–28%). HR differences between S and C correlated with C, R and final times. The greatest differences between S and C were related to the worst times in the next stages. These ultra-endurance triathletes performed S at a higher relative intensity, which was inversely correlated with performance in the following stages. The best predictors of final racing time (81%) were weight-adjusted ˙VO 2max and HR difference between C and S. A more adequate characterization of the time pattern during the whole race, especially during S, adds new information concerning the intensity profile and cardiovascular demands of an UET race.
ISSN:0172-4622
1439-3964
DOI:10.1055/s-0034-1374601