Reliable and sensitive physical testing of elite trapeze sailors.

Abstract

It was investigated whether a newly developed discipline-specific test for elite-level trapeze sailors is reliable and sensitive. Furthermore, the physical demands of trapeze sailing were examined. In part 1, 9 national team athletes were accustomed to a simulated sailing test, which subsequently was completed on 4 occasions to determine test reliability and sensitivity to manipulations in body weight. Rope-pulling mean power output (MPO), oxygen consumption (VO2 ), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate values were acquired in all trials. In part 2, 6 sailors completed on-water racing with concurrent measurements of VO2 , HR, and blood lactate. VO2max was determined during an incremental treadmill running test. Typical error, minimal difference, and ICC for average MPO in the test were 1.3%, 1.7%, and 0.99%, respectively. Adding 4kg of external body weight caused a decrease in average MPO (270±45W vs 265±45W, P<.05) and an increase in VO2 (2.44±0.23L·min-1 vs 2.55±0.26L·min-1 , P<.01). VO2 , HR, and blood lactate during on-water sailing were 54.5%±7.2% VO2max , 75.1%±3.1% HRmax , and 5.8±2.7mmol·L-1 , respectively. However, VO2 and HR were substantially higher for periods of the race as peak values were 83.5%±11.4% and 89.9%±1.7% of max, respectively. In conclusion, the present test is reliable and sensitive, thus providing a sailing-specific alternative to traditional physical testing of elite trapeze sailors. Additionally, on-water racing requires moderate aerobic energy production, although oxygen consumption can approach maximal levels for short periods of time.