RGP 22/23

The IBU proudly presents the finalized projects of the IBU Research Grant Programme (RGP) of 2022/2023. Five different universities/institutions conducted their studies on biathlon-related topics. Each of those projects aimed to get better insights into important aspects of biathlon. Spreading the gained knowledge of those projects among all members of the biathlon family will contribute to further developing the sport of biathlon.

Below you can find all project-related documents for free.

This year's projects:

• PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN BIATHLON - AECC University College, Bournemouth, Great Britain

• RESTING METABOLIC RATE AND EXERCISE ENERGY EXPENDITURE IN SWISS ELITE BIATHLETES - Swiss Federal Institute of Sport, Magglingen, Switzerland

• THE APPLICATION AND UTILITY OF WEARABLE SENSORS FOR ATHLETE MONITORING IN BIATHLON - Mid Sweden University, Ostersund, Sweden

• HIGH LEVEL BIATHLETES WITH A FAST START PACING PATTERN IMPROVE TIME TRIAL SKIING, WITHOUT CHANGES IN SHOOTING PERFORMANCE, BY USING A MORE EVEN PACING STRATEGY - Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway

• THE LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT OF PERFORMANCE, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND TRAINING CHARACTERISTICS IN A WORLD CLASS FEMALE BIATHLETE - Nord University, Bodø , Norway

ABSTRACT

Biathlon places a huge demand on psychophysiological processes (Josefsson et al, 2021) yet there is limited research to investigate these. This study aimed to investigate the effect of quiet eye and heart rate variability interventions on shooting performance. Nine biathletes (M=18.11, SD=3.01, 6 male) took part in a cross-over design study where their shooting performance was measured at baseline and post intervention. During the shooting testing participants had their heart rate variability and gaze behaviour measures. For the workshops participants were split into two groups, quiet eye and slow-paced breathing, that were counterbalanced so participants experienced both interventions. Each workshop ran for one-hour and consisted of education around why that element should be considered important, what impact it might have on their performance, and learning the psychological skill. Participants also completed workbooks to provide information on the knowledge of the topic pre- and post-intervention, this was rated on a Likert scale from “1” none at all to “7” excellent. Following all testing, participants took part in a focus group to gain insight into their experiences of the interventions. Results show that the interventions significantly improved shooting performance from baseline (Z = 2.34, p=0.02), although there was no difference in effectiveness between the interventions (U = 3, p=0.08). Given the small sample size and missing data, there should be caution around the interpretation of shooting improvement. The qualitative results revealed that prior to the education participants did have some existing gaze behaviour and breathing techniques that they utilised during performance. These were often developed either by the athlete themselves or by the coach, and therefore not evidence based. Prior to the workshops participants had very little knowledge of the interventions (quiet eye = 1, slow paced breathing = 1.7) and following the workshops this significantly increased (p < 0.05) (quiet eye = 4.5, slow paced breathing = 5). Following the educational workshops participants reported positive responses to the interventions via the focus groups. For example, participants reported the quiet eye technique helped them to have more control over their gaze behaviour and the paced breathing helped to reduce distractions and increase relaxation. There were some reported barriers to using the interventions, for example contradictions with coaching instruction or an inability to breathe slowly following physical exertion. Overall, there were positive influences on both shooting performance and psychological state as a result of both interventions. The findings, specifically those from the workshops and focus groups, suggest that further education for athletes into the psychophysiological factors which may underpin shooting performance is greatly needed. It is also recommended that coach education surrounding psychological skills for biathletes would be very useful to provide evidence-based guidance in the future.

ABSTRACT

Low Energy Availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) are common among the endurance disciplines, negatively impacting affected athletes' long-term health and performance. Several indicators are currently used to diagnose LEA and REDs, including body composition, scores from validated questionnaires, performance and energy balance. The objectives of the current investigation were to 1) assess the resting metabolic rate (RMR) and to explore potential cases of RMR suppression and 2) establish the exercise energy expenditure (EEE) profiles and associations with power output and heart rate in elite biathletes. Thirteen elite biathletes from the Swiss National Team (seven women and six men, age: 27.5 ± 3.9 and 26 ± 2.8 years, V̇O2max: 56.1 ± 3.6 and 69.2 ± 3.7 ml·kg-1·min-1, respectively) underwent an RMR and EEE assessment in addition to their routine National team performance testing in June 2023. Measured (mRMR) and predicted (pRMR) RMR were used to determine RMRratio as a surrogate marker of LEA. Furthermore, the athletes completed a submaximal graded exercise test protocol in the skating technique, which included 4 x 3 x 4 min of skiing (4 intensities, 3 sub-techniques, 4 min each) to determine EEE through indirect calorimetry. Linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlations between EEE scaled for body mass and power output, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). These correlations were further differentiated by sex and sub-technique. mRMR varied from 1186 - 2062 kcal·24h-1 and RMRratio values ranged from 0.79 – 1.04, with inter-individual differences of up to 500 kcal·24h-1 observed among male and female athletes. Four out of thirteen athletes demonstrated suppressed RMR with RMRratio < 0.9. EEErel demonstrated a linear relationship with increasing intensity. Very large associations were found between EEErel and relative power output (R2 = 0.88). Large correlations were observed between EEErel and HR (R2 = 0.64) and RPE (R2 = 0.58). Individual regressions demonstrated nearly perfect relationships between EEErel and HR (R2 = 0.94 – 0.99). Large inter-individual differences were observed in gross efficiency (GE) across athletes ranging from 15 – 20%, with differences also observed between sub-techniques at around ~15.5% (G4), ~16.5% (G3), and 18% (G2). This investigation explored the RMR and EEE profiles of thirteen elite biathletes. Our results demonstrated significant variations in RMR, with ~30% showing suppressed RMR as a potential surrogate indicator for LEA. This emphasizes the importance of tailoring nutrition strategies to each athlete's energy needs to support their bodily functions adequately. The strong relationships between EEErel and HR could be used to obtain accurate and individualized information on caloric expenditure during steady-state submaximal endurance training and optimize fueling during training and competition.

ABSTRACT

Background: Training compliance refers to an athlete’s conformity to a coach’s planned training programme. Imperfect training compliance (i.e., discrepancies between coach plan and athlete execution) could cause maladaptation to the training program and either under- or over-training (Wallace et al., 2009). This study will utilise objective measures of exercise such as GNSS sensors, accelerometers and HR monitoring measured from wearable technologies advancing the understanding of the application and utility of wearable sensor technology for athlete monitoring in biathlon, with a particular focus on training compliance. Methods: Over a 5-week training block, 10 elite youth biathletes wore GNSS sensors with integrated accelerometers and HR monitors during all training sessions in order to determine the agreement between the coach’s planned training and the athletes performed training. The coaches’ planned training sessions were collected through an online training platform (Maxpulse). This information included a prescription of duration within a five-zone heart rate -based exercise intensity zones in addition with the total prescribed training time. In addition, the total time athletes spent in various speed zones was determined from GNSS sensors. High speed skiing (Speed3+) was calculated as the accumulation of all speeds from speed zone 3 and above ≥ 4 m·s-1. Finally, PlayerLoadTM (PL) and PL per minute (PL/min) were calculated from the integrated accelerometer within the wearable GNSS device. Results: The total executed training duration was, on average 7 ± 21 minutes under the planned training. More specifically, during training sessions performed with rifle, the total executed training duration was 9 ± 18 minutes under the planned training. During training sessions performed without rifle, the total executed training duration was 3 ± 26 minutes under the planned training. The total executed training duration for LIT was 8 ± 21 minutes under the planned training. This corresponded with an average of 92% training compliance for session duration. The total executed training duration for HIT was 6 ± 19 minutes under the planned training. This corresponded with an average of 94% training compliance for session duration. Training time spent performing very-slow speed movements (<1m/s) was influenced by training session type (LIT/HIT or Rifle/no-Rifle). On average, across all training sessions 20 ± 9 minutes of training duration was spent performing very-slow speed movements. Of particular interest was LIT sessions performed without the rifle. These training sessions were designed to be long, continuous low-intensity training sessions. Despite this, these sessions were still associated with an average of 17.5 ± 8.1 minutes of very-slow speed movements. Finally, there were very large positive correlations between PL and training duration (r = 0.802, p < 0.001). In addition, large positive relationships were shown between PL/min and speed3+ (r = 0.512, p < 0.001) indicating that PL/min might have convergent validity as a surrogate for training intensity during a biathlon training programme. Conclusions and Practical Recommendations: These analyses firstly identify the utility and application of wearable technology for athlete monitoring in biathlon. All athletes wore these wearable sensors without impact to training sessions. Further, this study has evaluated the application and utility of wearable sensors for athlete monitoring in a biathlon training programme through the investigation of training compliance. The results demonstrate that the coaches’ training plan impacts the degree of compliance. Equipped with this knowledge, coaches are empowered to better predict and understand the actual training dose performed by athletes and how this might impact on training adaptations and performance. Wearable GNSS sensors, coupled with accelerometers and HR monitoring provides objective data to coaches and athletes with convergent validity. In particular, this study had demonstrated the application of and utility of utilising GNSS sensors to investigate low-speed movements as well as accelerometer-based metrics, such as PL, for providing further insights into the exercise dose throughout a biathlon training programme.

ABSTRACT

Biathlon sprint races typically see a J-shaped pacing strategy – fast start, slower middle lap, and a slightly faster finish. Unlike pure endurance sports, biathlon pacing impacts shooting precision as well. Each missed shot incurs a significant time penalty. Medalists in World Cup sprints maintain faster speeds on later laps and a more even pacing pattern overall compared to lower-ranked athletes. Previous research suggests that reducing starting pace can improve performance in young cross-country skiers, accompanied by lower heart rate and perceived exertion. This leads us to hypothesize that a more conservative pacing strategy could benefit high-level biathletes who typically employ a fast-start pattern. This study tested the hypothesis that biathletes with a fast-start pacing pattern would improve time-trial skiing and shooting performance by using more even pacing during a simulated sprint biathlon competition. More specifically we investigated how this change in pacing strategy influences a) time-trial roller ski performance, b) hit rate and precision of prone and standing shooting and c) rate of perceived exertion and heart rate responses. Thirty-eight high-level biathletes (~21 yrs., 26 males) performed an individual 7.5 km (3x2.5 km for females) or 10 km (3x3.3 km for men) sprint biathlon race on roller skis with a self-selected pacing strategy (Day 1). Prone (after lap 1) and standing shooting (after lap 2) stages were performed using paper targets with 10 standard scoring rings. Based on their pacing strategy in the first time-trial (ratio between the initial ⁓800-m segment pace on lap 1 and average ⁓800-m segment pace on laps 1-3), subjects were divided into an intervention group with the fastest starting pace (INT, n=20) or a control group with a more conservative starting pace (CON, n=18). On Day 2, INT were instructed to reduce their starting pace, while CON was instructed to maintain their Day 1 strategy. During the race, the participants wore an integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) unit on their back (between thoracic vertebrae 4 and 5), to capture position and speed continuously. RPE using a 6-20 scale was reported verbally during the race (after ⁓800 m of each lap, before (~150 m) and after 1st shooting (~50 m), before and after 2nd shooting, ⁓200 m before the finish) and ~30 s after crossing the finish line. A poster illustrating RPE levels 6-20 was visible to the participants before and during the race and they reported a number to one of the investigators, who recorded it. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), except for relative differences between test days and between groups, which are presented as means ± 95% confidence intervals (CI). Paired sample t-tests were used to calculate the differences within groups from Day 1 to Day 2, while an unpaired t-test was conducted between groups for the relative differences from Day 1 to Day 2. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. On Day 1, the overall time for INT was 28:06 ± 1:31 min (women, n=6: 26:27 ± 00:51 and men, n=14: 28:49 ± 1:08 min), while the corresponding time for CON was 26:42 ± 1:28 min (women, n=6: 24:59 ± 1:05 min and men, n=12: 27:23 ± 0:52 min). There were significant differences in overall time between groups where CON performed better than INT (P=0.001). INT increased their time-trial skiing performance more than CON from Day 1 to Day 2 (mean±95CI; 1.6±0.8% vs -0.4±0.9%, P=0.04). From Day 1 to Day 2, INT reduced their starting pace (5.0±1.5%, P<0.01), with reduced ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during lap 1 (P<0.05). For CON, no change was found for starting pace (-0.8±1.2%) or RPE between days. No differences in shooting performance were found within or between groups. INT performed prone shootings on Day 1 and Day 2 of 42.1 ± 3.8 and 41.8 ± 2.8 points (P=0.74) while the standing shootings resulted in 25.4 ± 6.0 and 24.2 ± 8.0 points (P=0.57). CON performed prone shootings on Day 1 and Day 2 of 42.4 ± 3.2 and 42.1 ± 3.2 points (P=0.70) while the standing shootings resulted in 28.6 ± 6.0 and 24.9 ± 6.2 points (P=0.07). Biathletes with a pronounced fast-start pacing pattern benefit from using a more even pacing strategy to optimize time-trial distance skiing performance. The improved performance was reflected by faster skiing speed in all types of terrain, with no significant effect on shooting performance. In addition, the use of a more even lap-to-lap pacing strategy led to lower perceived exertion during the race.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To investigate the long-term development of performance, physiological, and training characteristics in a world-class female biathlete, with emphasis on differences between junior and senior athlete seasons. Methods: The participant is a highly decorated female biathlete with 22 (10 gold) medals from international championships and 28 individual World Cup wins. Performance development (age 17-33), physiological tests (age 22-33), and day-to-day physical and shooting training (age 17-33) were analyzed. Training data was systemized by endurance (low- [LIT], moderate- [MIT], and high-intensity training [HIT]), exercise mode, and strength training. Shooting training recorded for each session included the number of shots fired during rest, LIT, MIT, HIT, or competitions, and time spent on dry-fire training. Results: The annual volume of physical training (409 to 792 h·season-1) and number of shots fired (1163 to 17328 shots·season-1) increased from age 17-28 followed by a subsequent reduction in physical training (range 657–763 h·season-1) and shots fired (13275-15355 shots·season-1) during the seasons of peak performance at age 31-33. Maximal oxygen uptake in roller-ski skating increased by 10% (62.9 to 69.2 ml·kg- 1·min-1) from age 22-27. The physical training volume was 48% higher (694±60 vs. 468±23 h·season-1), with 175% more shots fired (14537±1109 vs. 5295±3425 shots·season-1) as senior than junior athlete. In the physical training, these differences were mainly explained by higher volumes of LIT (602±56 vs. 392±22h·season-1) and MIT (34±1 vs. 7±2 h·season-1) but less HIT (27±1 vs. 42±3 h·season-1) as a senior than junior. In line with this, the shooting training as senior included more shots fired both at rest (5035±321 vs. 1197±518 shots·season-1) and during LIT (7440±619 vs. 2663±1975 shots·season-1), while a smaller insignificant difference was observed in the number of shots fired in connection with MIT, HIT, and competitions (2061±174 vs. 1435±893 shots·season-1). Conclusions: This study provides unique insights into the long-term development of physical and shooting training from junior to senior in a world-class female biathlete. The major differences in training characteristics between junior and senior athlete seasons were higher sport-specific volumes of LIT and MIT, and less HIT. These differences were accompanied by more shooting training, particular at rest, and in connection with LIT.