The complex physiology of orienteering performance is not well understood but recent
advances in technology allow for more in-depth investigation. The purpose of this
study was to develop and validate physiological field tests for elite orienteers in
Australia.
Seven male and three female elite orienteers volunteered to take part in the study.
Subjects completed an incremental fixed-distance (803m) trial in Australian forest
terrain, paced by a bicycle equipped with a speedometer. This was replicated in the
laboratory using a 4.5% grade for treadmill running. Subjects also completed four
(males) or three (females) laps of a 1340m terrain loop incorporating uphill, track and
downhill sections. Subjects then repeated this test in the laboratory, with treadmill grade
manipulated to replicate the gradient profile of each section. Heart rate (HR) and
oxygen uptake (VCh) were recorded continuously with telemetry during each stage/lap.
Blood [La] and RPE were recorded after each stage/lap.
In the incremental tests, no significant differences (p=0.05 level) were observed in HR,
VO2, blood [La] or RPE between the Field test, and its Laboratory replication over the
entire range of speeds tested. The actual speeds run during the Field tests were
significantly faster than the Laboratory test at the slowest speed (8 kmh- 1 ) attempted,
and slower at the fastest speed (18 km-h-1) attempted. In the time-trial tests, no
significant differences were observed in HR, VO2, blood [La] or RPE between the
Field test and its Laboratory replication. The running speeds in the Field tests were
significantly slower than the Laboratory tests. Running speed appeared inversely
related to the course profile and the terrain also affected the speeds that could be
achieved. Despite the changes in the course profile, the physiological responses to the
course were maintained within a narrow range at a high level (-95% of maximal heart
rate, 80-90% of VO2max, blood [La] -10 mM) for the duration of the 20-25 minute test.
The Field tests that were developed in this study for elite orienteers in Australian forest
terrain were successfully validated by replicating the protocols in a Laboratory setting.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218631 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Rattray, Benjamin, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Sports Studies |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Benjamin Rattray |
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