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Innovative recreation services, such as non-traditional camps, can help provide diverse youth a chance to engage in physical activity, develop healthy relational skills, and meet others. Twenty-two participants took part in a new, 1-week triathlon camp held on a Mid-Atlantic University campus. Participants were recruited through local parks and recreation agencies and local youth running clubs. Scholarships were given to participants who expressed financial challenges through a USA Triathlon Youth Grant. The 1-week day camp took place on a college campus. The camp served the surrounding neighborhoods, which was accurately represented in the camper demographic (i.e., half the campers were youth of color). During the week, the campers swam, biked, ran, rock climbed, and participated in other multisport activities to help develop proper form and skills for triathlon. As guided by the USAT Splash, Spin, Sprint Camp manual, campers participated in daily swimming, cycling, running, and other related exercises. In addition, the camp included traditional camp activities such as indoor rock climbing, participation on a challenge course, and crafts. Eighty percent of the campers indicated they now want to do a triathlon, and 95% shared that they will tell their friends about the sport of triathlon. Using the practitioner-friendly American Camp Association's Youth Outcomes Battery, campers indicated gains in competence, teamwork, and problem-solving confidence. The findings of this evaluation study provide evidence-based support for the potential of triathlon camp to enhance important developmental outcomes. The results from the evaluation support the desired outcomes for this type of camp, and with USA Triathlon support, other recreation services can use this model to replicate. A unique aspect of this program was its setting and participant composition. That is, this day camp, hosted in an urban area, had a diverse group of campers with youth from various ethnic and sport backgrounds. Over half (60%) of the campers were of color, providing evaluation data from often underrepresented groups of interest. This program evaluation provides a template for other camps on campus model to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion of our youth. Currently, there is only one African American female professional triathlon in the United States. We need to be more intentional offering unique programs (e.g., triathlon camps and nonprofits) to all youth. Grants can be pursued by camps, municipal parks and recreation, nonprofits to remove some of the financial barriers preventing many youth of color from exploring the sport of triathlon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared central and peripheral fatigue development between the Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon. Fifteen male triathletes performed Sprint and Olympic triathlon simulations in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Central and peripheral fatigue was evaluated from changes in voluntary activation level (VAL) and twitch responses of quadriceps muscle (Qtw,pot), respectively. Qtw,pot reduced from baseline to post-swimming similarly between triathlon simulations (Sprint,−17 ± 11%; Olympic, −13 ± 9%). In post-cycling, Qtw,pot further declined to a similar extent between triathlon distances (Sprint, −31 ± 15%; Olympic, −28 ± 11%). In post-running, Qtw,pot was fully recovered in the Olympic triathlon (−4 ± 10%), whereas there was only a partial recovery of Qtw,pot in the Sprint triathlon (−20 ± 11%). VAL was not reduced in post-swimming, but reduction was similar between triathlon distances in post-cycling (Sprint, −10 ± 9%; Olympic, −8 ± 8%) and post-running (Sprint, −15 ± 14%; Olympic, −16 ± 8%). In the Sprint triathlon, the swimming speed (1.07 ± 0.13m.s−1) was above (p <.001) critical speed (1.01 ± 0.14m.s−1), the cycling power (179.7 ± 27.2W) was below the respiratory compensation point (216.3 ± 27.8W, p <.001) and running speed (13.7 ± 1.05km.h−1) similar to the respiratory compensation point (13.2 ± 0.70km.h−1, p =.124). In the Olympic triathlon, swimming speed (1.03 ± 0.13m.s−1) was similar to critical speed (p =.392), and cycling power (165.3 ± 27.3W) and running speed (12.6 ± 1.05km.h−1) were below the respiratory compensation point (p ≤.007). In conclusion, peripheral fatigue progressed until post-cycling regardless of triathlon distances. However, peripheral fatigue was fully recovered after running in Olympic but not in Sprint triathlon. The central fatigue started in post-cycling and progressed until post-running regardless of triathlon distances. Highlights The quadriceps muscle peripheral fatigue progresses similarly in Sprint and Olympic triathlons until post-cycling. The quadriceps muscle peripheral fatigue is completely recovered after running in the Olympic triathlon, whereas it is partially recovered in the Sprint triathlon. The central fatigue starts in post-cycling and progresses similarly until post-running in Sprint and Olympic triathlons, regardless of triathlon distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current literature has examined the technical aspects of triathlon, technologies used in triathlon, and coaching practice in isolation. However, what is not known, and what this research will examine for the first time, are the relationship between these elements and how they interconnect and influence each other. The study also examines how coaches decide what technology to use and why, in relation to their coaching philosophy. Seven individual 1-hour interviews were conducted via video conference with national and international triathlon coaches. The coaches (n = 7) had varying backgrounds, including former elite-level athletes, sport science professionals, and health science graduates. Using a qualitative inductive and deductive thematic analysis, four central themes were discovered. Findings indicate that the opportunities and challenges of implementing new and emerging technologies are ongoing, with coaches not always having consistent views, levels of flexibility, or open-mindedness as to which technologies to use and why. Notably, coaches are concerned about athletes' over-reliance on technology and the data it produces, impacting the athlete's perception of their effort. We conclude that despite switching between different philosophical views of technology, coaches ultimately choose a suite of technologies based on comfort in addition to selecting tools that will enhance the performance of their athletes. Coaches also prioritise the health and well-being of their athletes and will use technology to assist in collecting data to aid in this process. Finally, coaches want athletes to stay 'in tune' with their inner sense of effort, and not become overly reliant on objective data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triathlon is a sport modality that has been on the rise in recent years, and represents a great physical load for the body. Therefore, the first goal of the present study was to investigate physiological response in non-professional half-distance triathlon participants regarding to muscle and kidney damage. Secondly, we evaluated the short-term recovery of this competition. Blood parameters of muscle and kidney damage of seventeen trained and experienced male triathletes were assessed before (pre) and after (post) the competition and 24h (24h REC) and 48 h (48h REC) after the individual finish. After race there were significant increases in the concentrations of creatine kinase and Total Protein (≤0.005) compared with Pre- race. A significant decrease in the total bilirubin (Δ =-24.5%; p

O Triathlon se caracteriza como uma atividade de Multiesportes, sendo integrado por Natação, Ciclismo, Corrida e Transições. Objetivo: O estudo teve como desfecho analisar e comparar o desempenho de Triatletas durante o Campeonato Maranhense - Triathlon Sprint referente ao ano de 2017 na categoria elite. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo quantitativo com utilização de dados públicos, amostra integralizada pelo resultado do Campeonato Maranhense - Sprint Triathlon, disponível em web, com 5 primeiros colocados do sexo masculino e feminino da categoria elite do ano de 2017, totalizando 10 participantes. Análise Estatística: Utilizou-se estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais, através do Microsoft Excel® 2017 e Jasp 0.14.1, sendo realizado os testes de Shapiro-Wilk, Teste t Student Independente e Correlação de Pearson, adotando significância p

O IRONMAN® é uma das provas de triathlon mais conhecidas no mundo, caracterizada por ser uma competição desafiadora a qual testa os limites físicos e psicológicos dos seus participantes. No Brasil, a prova é organizada na cidade de Florianópolis desde o ano de 2001. O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma análise descritiva dos resultados obtidos no IRONMAN® Brasil entre os anos de 2001 até 2019, e foram realizadas as análises da diferença entre o desempenho no sexo feminino e masculino. Para tal, foi extraído média e desvio padrão (DP) dos 10 primeiros tempos da classificação geral de cada ano. A média dos tempos totais mostrou que a segunda década de evento foi melhor em comparação a primeira, indicando assim uma tendência de melhores resultados futuros. Esta melhora dos resultados gerais, principalmente na segunda década, e principalmente nos últimos 5 anos, podem advir de fatores como avanços tecnológicos, melhores estratégias de treino e aumento do nível competitivo da competição.

Accuracy is paramount in sports competitions. Between competitions around the world, tenths of a second or a hundred seconds can be decisive when comparing individuals and race results. The measurement of time results is now done by machines and devices, almost automatically. One of the most widespread and accurate time measurements is made with the help of chips and tags. The study deals with the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification System) devices used for measurement in Hungary. It examines and compares these systems according to different aspects. Based on the results, it provides support to the organizer based on weather conditions, either economic constraints or the number of participants, which system is more advantageous to use. The findings in the study can be used by competition organizers and it may be easier to choose the system required for the competition. The limits of the organization of the competition can be determined more easily.

Male athletes tend to outperform female athletes in several endurance sports. Maximum cardiac output can be estimated by maximal oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O 2 m a x ), and it has been established that men present V ˙ O 2 m a x values about 20% higher than women. Although sex differences in V ˙ O 2 m a x have already been well studied, few studies have assessed sex differences with regard to muscle oxidative capacity. The aim of this study was to compare aerobic muscle quality, accessed by V ˙ O 2 m a x and adjusted by lower limb lean mass, between male and female amateur triathletes. The study also aimed to compare sex differences according to V ˙ O 2 submaximal values assessed at ventilatory thresholds. A total of 57 participants (23 women and 34 men), who had been training for Olympic-distance triathlon races, underwent body composition evaluation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and performed a cardiorespiratory maximal test on a treadmill. Male athletes had significantly higher V ˙ O 2 m a x , both absolutely and when adjusted to body mass. Conversely, when V ˙ O 2 m a x was adjusted for lean mass, there was no significant difference between sexes. The same was observed at submaximal exercise intensities. In conclusion, differences in V ˙ O 2 m a x adjusted to body mass but not lean mass may explain, at least in part, sex differences in performance in triathlons, marathons, cycling, and other endurance sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare time-trial performances in elite paratriathlon athletes, according to visual classes, sex, and medal distribution. Design: The data were acquired from official books on Para Triathlon World Cups (2018–2020). The sample included 150 athletes with visual impairment, in classes: PTVI1, PTVI2, and PTVI3. One-way analysis of variance, the Student t test, and χ2 were used to compare the performance variables and association between visual impairment classes and distribution of medals within different visual impairment classes. Results: Sex comparisons demonstrated better performance for male athletes compared with female athletes (P < 0.05). In the sex-specific analysis, only cycling velocity was higher for female, being lower for PTVI1 compared with PTVI3 (P = 0.012). In visual impairment class results, the first transition time was higher for PTVI1 compared with PTVI2 (P = 0.050) and PTVI3 (P = 0.027) and, in the second transition, higher for PTVI1 compared with PTVI2 (P = 0.001). The χ2 test showed a higher percentage of gold medals for PTVI3 athletes considering the whole group (P = 0.050). Conclusions: These results indicate that male athletes have better performance than female athletes. PTVI1 female athletes showed lower cycling velocity compared with PTVI3. Considering both male and female groups, blind athletes presented higher transition times and a lower percentage of medals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to establish the determinants explaining the wetsuit advantages in middle-distance swimming efforts. Thirty-one triathletes and open water swimmers performed two 400 m front crawl bouts in a 25 m swimming pool with swim and wetsuits (with 48 h rest in-between). Anthropometric, kinematic and physiological variables were measured and Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise linear regression analysis were used to determine their relationships. Associations observed in the 400 m front crawl included time improved using wetsuit with swimmers age (r=0.38; p =0.017), cross-sectional area (r=0.33; p =0.034), wetsuit upper limbs thickness (r=–0.49; p =0.010), ΔInternational Swimming Federation Points (r=–0.39; p =0.016), Δstroke rate (SR, r=0.48; p =0.003), Δstroke length (SL, r=-0.39; p =0.015), Δpropelling efficiency (r=–0.37; p =0.019) and Δblood lactate concentrations (r=0.30; p =0.048) in the total sample. In females, associations were found between the time improved and wetsuit upper and lower limbs thickness (both r=–0.78; p =0.011), and in males associations were found between time improved and age (r=0.43; p =0.030), ΔSR (r=0.56; p =0.005) and ΔSL (r=–0.44; p =0.026). Furthermore, 48% of the 400 m front crawl time improved was explained by wetsuit upper limbs thickness and SR changes (total sample), 62% explained by the wetsuit lower limbs thickness (females) and 48% of this enhancement was related to age and SR changes (males). Therefore, faster upper and lower limbs actions and wetsuit upper and lower limbs thickness are beneficial for 400 m front crawl performance improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of sports supplements (SS) to improve sports performance is very common in athletes. In the case of triathletes, the physiological characteristics of the sport may require the use of certain SS. Although the consumption of SS is widespread in this sport, very few studies have investigated it thus far. The aim is to analyze the pattern of SS consumption by triathletes according to sex and the competitive level. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study on the consumption and habitual use of SS of 232 Spanish-federated triathletes. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire. Results: Overall, 92.2% of the athletes consumed SS, but no significant differences were found in terms of competition level or sex. Yet, significant differences were found regarding the level of competition for total SS (p = 0.021), the total number of Group A supplements from the AIS classification (p = 0.012), and for the ergogenic aids (p = 0.003). The most-consumed SS were bars, sports drinks, sports gels, and caffeine (83.6%, 74.1%, 61.2%, and 46.6%, respectively). Conclusions: The consumption of SS by triathletes is high, and the number of SS consumed rises from the regional to the national and international levels. The four SS most consumed were included in category A of the AIS (greatest scientific evidence). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: There is a lack of data on the long-term training characteristics and performance markers of elite young female endurance athletes. The aim of this study was to present the training load (ECOs), as well as the evolution of the anthropometric values and performance of three elite U23 female triathletes over a season. (2) Methods: General training data and performance data relating to the swimming, cycling, and running legs of the 2021 season were described. The training intensity distribution (TID) was presented using the triphasic model, while the training load was based on the ECO model. An anthropometric analysis was also conducted in accordance with the ISAK standards. (3) Results: Triathletes increased their VO2max in cycling (6.9–10%) and running (7.1–9.1%), as well as their power and speed associated with the VO2max (7.7–8.6% in cycling and 5.1–5.3% in running) and their swimming speed associated with the lactate thresholds (2.6–4.0% in LT2 and 1.2–2.5% in LT1). The triathletes completed more than 10 h of weekly average training time, with peak weeks exceeding 15 h. The average TID of the three triathletes was 82% in phase 1, 6% in phase 2, and 12% in phase 3. A decrease in the sum of skinfolds and fat mass percentage was observed during the season in the three triathletes, although the last measurement revealed a stagnation or slight rise in these parameters. (4) Conclusions: The triathletes performed a combination of two training periodization models (traditional and block periodization) with a polarized TID in most of the weeks of the season. Improvements in performance and physiological parameters were observed after the general preparatory period as well as a positive body composition evolution throughout the season, except at the end, where the last measurement revealed stagnation or a slight decline. This study can be useful as a general guide for endurance coaches to organize a training season with female U23 triathletes.

The capacity of laboratory tests to predict competition performance has been broadly researched across several endurance sports. The aim of the present study was to analyse how pool swimming performance can predict the result of the swimming segment in triathlon competitions and compare predictability differences based on competition level and distance. Eighteen male triathletes participated in the study. Three were ranked world-class, ten elite/international level, and five highly trained/national level. A total of sixty-one graded multi-stage swimming tests were conducted. Blood lactate was measured to calculate the following hypothetical predictor variables: speed at lactate threshold 1 (LT1), speed at lactate threshold 2 (LT2), and speed in the last repetition of the test (SL200). The following data were collected for a total of 75 races: time in the swimming leg (TSL); position after the swimming leg (PSL); time difference with the first triathlete after the swimming leg (DFT); and final race position. The race levels were divided according to participant levels as follows: world series (WS) (n = 22); World Cup (WC) (n = 22); Continental Cup (CC) (n = 19); national championship (N) (n = 5); and local race (L) (n = 5). Based on distance, they were divided into Olympic distance (OD) (n = 37) and sprint distance (SD) (n = 38). A moderate to strong positive association was found between LT1, LT2, SL200 and PSL and TSl at all race levels except for the SD CC, SD WC, and OD CC races, where no or weak-to-moderate correlations were found. The present study demonstrated that performance measured in a graded multi-stage pool lactate test can predict performance in a triathlon swimming segment. This finding is highly useful for coaches as it can help them to obtain a reliable measure of the triathlete’s specific capabilities in the swimming leg.

Telomeres act as a mitotic clock and telomere-related senescence has been linked to age-related physiological decline. There is increasing evidence lifestyle factors can influence telomere length (TL). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of competitive triathlon training on TL. Seven competitive male triathletes and seven recreationally active males participated in the study. Relative TL was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Physiological parameters key to athletic performance such as maximal oxygen intake, lactate threshold, and running economy were also measured. Triathletes had longer telomeres than the recreationally active (1.257 ± 0.028 vs. 1.002 ± 0.014; p < .0001). Positive association was found between TL and maximal oxygen intake, lactate threshold, and running economy (R² = .677, .683, and .696, respectively). This study indicates that competitive triathlon training buffers against age-related telomere shortening, and there is a correlation between exercise behaviors, higher maximal oxygen intake, and TL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In able-bodied athletes, several hormonal, immunological, and psychological parameters are commonly assessed in response to intensified training due to their potential relationship to acute fatigue and training/nontraining stress. This has yet to be studied in Paralympic athletes. Methods: A total of 10 elite paratriathletes were studied for 5 wk around a 14-d overseas training camp whereby training load was 137% of precamp levels. Athletes provided 6 saliva samples (1 precamp, 4 during camp, and 1 postcamp) for cortisol, testosterone, and secretory immunoglobulin A; weekly psychological questionnaires (Profile of Mood State [POMS] and Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes [RESTQ-Sport]); and daily resting heart rate and subjective wellness measures including sleep quality and quantity. Results: There was no significant change in salivary cortisol, testosterone, cortisol Testosterone ratio, or secretory immunoglobulin A during intensified training (P≥.090). Likewise, there was no meaningful change in resting head rate or subjective wellness measures (P ≥ .079). Subjective sleep quality and quantity increased during intensified training (P ≤ .003). There was no significant effect on any POMS subscale other than lower anger (P = .049), whereas there was greater general recovery and lower sport and general stress from RESTQ-Sport (≤ .015). Conclusions: There was little to no change in parameters commonly associated with the fatigued slate, which may relate to the training-camp setting minimizing external life stresses and the careful management of training loads from coaches. This is the first evidence of such responses in Paralympic athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this case study was to report on the performance outcomes and subjective assessments of long-term low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet in a world-class long-distance triathlete who had been suffering from gastrointestinal distress in Ironman competition. The lacto-ovo vegetarian athlete (age = 39 years; height = 179 cm; usual racing body mass = 75 kg; sum of seven skinfolds = 36 mm) changed his usual high carbohydrate (CHO) availability diet to an LCHF diet for 32 weeks (∼95% compliance). He participated in three professional races while on the LCHF diet, but acutely restored CHO availability by consuming CHO in the preevent meals and during the race as advised. The athlete had his worst-ever half-Ironman performance after 21 weeks on the LCHF diet (18th). After 24 weeks on LCHF, he had his second worst-ever Ironman performance (14th) and suffered his usual gastrointestinal symptoms. He did not finish his third race after 32 weeks on LCHF. He regained his usual performance level within 5 weeks back on a high CHO diet, finishing second and fourth in two Ironman events separated by just 3 weeks. Subjective psychological well-being was very negative while on the LCHF diet, with feelings of depression, irritability, and bad mood. In conclusion, this long-term (32 weeks) LCHF intervention did not solve the gastrointestinal problems that the athlete had been experiencing, it was associated with negative performance outcomes in both the half-Ironman and Ironman competitions, and it had a negative impact on the athlete's subjective well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the association between training-load (TL) factors, baseline characteristics, and new injury and/or pain (IP) risk in an endurance sporting population (ESP). Methods: Ninety-five ESP participants from running, triathlon, swimming, cycling, and rowing disciplines initially completed a questionnaire capturing baseline characteristics. TL and IP data were submitted weekly over a 52-wk study period. Cumulative TL factors, acute:chronic workload ratios, and exponentially weighted moving averages were calculated. A shared frailty model was used to explore time to new IP and association to TL factors and baseline characteristics. Results: 92.6% of the ESP completed all 52 wk of TL and IP data. The following factors were associated with the lowest risk of a new IP episode: (a) a low to moderate 7-d lag exponentially weighted moving averages (0.8–1.3: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.44; P =.04); (b) a low to moderate 7-d lag weekly TL (1200–1700 AU: HR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.15–1.65; P <.001); (c) a moderate to high 14-d lag 4-weekly cumulative TL (5200–8000 AU: HR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.21–0.50; P <.001); and (d) a low number of previous IP episodes in the preceding 12 mo (1 previous IP episode: HR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04–1.17; P =.04). Conclusions: To minimize new IP risk, an ESP should avoid high spikes in acute TL while maintaining moderate to high chronic TLs. A history of previous IP should be considered when prescribing TLs. The demonstration of a lag between a TL factor and its impact on new IP risk may have important implications for future ESP TL analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To gain an exploratory insight into the relation between training load (TL), salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and upper respiratory tract illness (URI) in elite paratriathletes. Methods: Seven paratriathletes were recruited. Athletes provided weekly saliva samples for the measurement of sIgA over 23 consecutive weeks (February to July) and a further 11 consecutive weeks (November to January). sIgA was compared to individuals' weekly training duration, external TL, and internal TL, using time spent in predetermined heart-rate zones. Correlations were assessed via regression analyses. URI was quantified via weekly self-report symptom questionnaire. Results: There was a significant negative relation between athletes' individual weekly training duration and sIgA secretion rate (P =.028), with changes in training duration accounting for 12.7% of the variance (quartiles: 0.2%, 19.2%). There was, however, no significant relation between external or internal TL and sIgA parameters (P ≥.104). There was no significant difference in sIgA when URI was present or not (101% vs 118% healthy median concentration; P ≥.225); likewise, there was no difference in sIgA when URI occurred within 2 wk of sampling or not (83% vs 125% healthy median concentration; P ≥.120). Conclusions: Paratriathletes' weekly training duration significantly affects sIgA secretion rate, yet the authors did not find a relation between external or internal TL and sIgA parameters. Furthermore, it was not possible to detect any link between sIgA and URI occurrence, which throws into question the potential of using sIgA as a monitoring tool for early detection of illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main focus of this review is illness among elite athletes, how and why it occurs, and whether any measures can be taken to combat it or to prevent its onset. In particular, there is particular interest in exercise-induced immunodepression, which is a result of the immune system regarding exercise (e.g., prolonged, exhaustive exercise) as a challenge to its function. This promotes the inflammatory response. There is often a high incidence of illness in athletes after undertaking strenuous exercise, particularly among those competing in endurance events, not only mainly in terms of upper respiratory tract illness, but also involving gastrointestinal problems. It may well be that this high incidence is largely due to insufficient recovery time being allowed after, for example, a marathon, a triathlon, or other endurance events. Two examples of the incidence of upper respiratory tract illness in moderate versus endurance exercise are provided. In recent years, increasing numbers of research studies have investigated the origins, symptoms, and incidence of these bouts of illness and have attempted to alleviate the symptoms with supplements, sports foods, or immunonutrition. One aspect of the present review discusses iron deficiency, which has been primarily suggested to have an impact upon cell-mediated immunity. Immunonutrition is also discussed, as are new techniques for investigating links between metabolism and immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate changes in physiological and performance variables in triathletes following a 4-wk period of reduced training volume and increased training intensity. Methods: Sixteen moderately trained triathletes were randomly allocated to 2 groups: a control (CON) group, which followed their usual training, or a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group, which completed 2 HIIT sessions per week during 4 wk of reduced training volume Results: Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased significantly in the HIIT group (P =.03, d = 0.5) but remained unchanged in the CON group. Cycling power at first and second ventilatory thresholds increased significantly in the HIIT subjects (P =.03, d = 1.0) and was unchanged in the CON participants (P =.57). During the simulated triathlon test, pretest–posttest cycling times and average power were unchanged in both groups (P >.05). No significant interactive effects between groups were observed for running time (P =.50). Conclusion: After a 4-wk HIIT program, VO2max and power at first and second ventilatory thresholds were found to have increased significantly while cycling and running performance were unchanged, despite an overall reduction in training time. In the present study, performance was only shown to improve with usual (high-volume) training. Summarizing, in order to improve running or cycling performances, high-volume training programs are highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional intake of ultraendurance athletes is often poorly matched with the requirements of the sport. Nutrition knowledge is a mediating factor to food choice that could correct such imbalances. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the nutrition knowledge of ultraendurance athletes. Nutritional knowledge was assessed using a modified sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire (ULTRA-Q). Four independent assessors with specialization in sports nutrition confirmed the content validity of the ULTRA-Q. Registered sports nutritionists, registered dietitians, and those without nutrition training completed the ULTRA-Q on two separate occasions. After the first completion, a significant difference in nutrition scores between groups (p ≤.001) provided evidence of construct validity. After the second completion, intraclass correlation coefficients comparing nutrition scores between time points (.75–.95) provided evidence of test–retest reliability. Subsequently, experienced ultraendurance athletes (male: n = 74 and female: n = 27) completed the ULTRA-Q. Athletes also documented their sources of nutrition knowledge for ultraendurance events. The total nutrition knowledge score for ultraendurance athletes was 68.3% ± 9.5%, and there were no significant differences in knowledge scores between males and females (67.4% ± 9.6% and 70.7% ± 9.3%, respectively) or between runners and triathletes (69.1% ± 9.7% and 65.1% ± 9.4%, respectively). In general, it appeared that ultraendurance athletes favored other athletes (73%) over nutrition experts (8%) as a source of nutritional information. The findings of this study indicate that ultraendurance athletes had a reasonable level of nutrition knowledge, but interathlete variability suggests a need for targeted nutrition education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]