Physiological Assessments
Periodic physiological assessments (tests) provides the foundation upon which decisions are made in relation to conditioning and offers a means of evaluating the effectiveness of a training programme and subsequent performance adaptations.
Haematology
Regular blood profiling is used to provide an indication of general health status and adaptation to training. This involves measurement of the full blood count, including evaluation of both red and white blood cell indices. In addition, the iron profile is also commonly analysed to determine the iron status of the athlete and subsequently to evaluate the effectiveness of iron supplementation therapies.
Body Composition
Body composition assessments are scheduled during discreet phases of the training and competition cycle. This involves measurement of stature, body mass, sum of seven skinfolds, circumferences of specific regions and muscle girths. These tests allow changes in lean mass (muscle and bone) and fat mass to be recorded and appropriate training and nutritional interventions to be prescribed.
Laboratory Based Assessments such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), blood lactate threshold (LT1) and lactate turnpoint (LT2) and exercise economy are conducted in the laboratory using specific ergometers (e.g. treadmill, cycle, rower). This profiling may also be conducted in alternative environments to investigate responses to exercise in varying conditions, including heat, humidity and altitude. This enables changes in physiological profiles and training status to be assessed.
Sports associated with laboratory profiling:
- Athletics (endurance)
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Triathlon
- Sailing
- Field Hockey
- Judo
- Soccer
Field Based
Assessments include; speed and agility testing with electronic timing, continuous, interval or intermittent endurance testing, repeated high-intensity efforts and fatigue indices, whole, lower and upper body power measurements, heart rate and blood lactate parameters, and flexibility. In each circumstance, the specific energy demands for each sport, and positional/individual requirements are identified which result in evidence-based choices to be made to tailor appropriate services to the needs of each athlete.
Sports involved in field profiling:
- Athletics (sprint, sprint endurance, power)
- Field Hockey
- Target sports (Archery, Shooting, Bowls)
- Rugby Union
- Gaelic Football
- Squash
- Cricket
- Table-Tennis
- Boxing
Physiological Monitoring
Regular physiological monitoring provides quality assurance of training programmes. It is essential information provided to inform SINI Service Staff to support the daily decisions made in servicing high-performance athletes.
Laboratory Based
Regular monitoring of specific training sessions can include simulated time-trials in a controlled environment as well as sub-maximal responses to known maximal assessments. This can provide a useful indication of conditioning status and performance progress. Blood, saliva and urine may also be used to monitor health status, oxygen carrying ability, immune systems, hydration status, muscle damage and recovery.
Field Based
Ongoing monitoring includes sub-maximal field-based assessments, partial testing batteries, heart-rate and GPS monitoring, daily living energy expenditure, sleep logging, hydration status, psychological assessments (e.g. mood), load monitoring through quantifying exercise duration and intensities. Daily assessments of electronic training diaries are completed, with specific alerts being sent to relevant staff to action as appropriate.
Example sports we’ve monitored:
- Athletics (sprint, sprint endurance, power)
- Athletics (endurance)
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Triathlon
- Sailing
- Field Hockey
- Target sports (Archery, Shooting, Bowls)
- Soccer
- Rugby Union
- Gaelic Football
- Squash
The results from each physiological assessment are communicated and presented in a manner that is easily interpreted by both the athlete and coach. This often involves detailed summary reports and follow-up discussions. Athlete progress is disseminated to the performance team and subsequently discussed during ongoing programme reviews.
Additional support
In addition to the profiling and monitoring, the sports physiology staff can provide support in the following areas:
- Recovery from exercise and competition
- Sleep
- Ergogenic aids
- Supplementation (liaising with the sports nutrition and sports medicine staff)
- Environmental preparation
- Travel and jet-lag
