Physiological Tests for Elite Athletes, Second Edition, presents the most current protocols used for assessing high-level athletes. Based on the insight and experience of sport scientists who work closely with elite athletes to optimize sporting success, this comprehensive guide offers the how and why of both general and sport-specific physiological testing procedures. Readers will learn to use these tests to identify the strengths and weaknesses of athletes, monitor progress, provide feedback, and enhance performance their athletes’ potential.
Physiological Tests for Elite Athletes, Second Edition, guides readers in ensuring precision and reliability of testing procedures in the field or lab; correctly preparing athletes before testing; and accurately collecting, handling, and analyzing data. It leads readers through general testing concepts and athlete monitoring tools for determining anaerobic capacity, neuromuscular power, blood lactate thresholds, and VO2max. It also presents principles and protocols for common lab- and field-based assessments of body composition, agility, strength and power, and perceptual and decision-making capabilities. Reproducible forms throughout the book assist readers with data collection and preparticipation screening.
After reviewing general protocols, this unique text takes a sport-specific look at the most effective tests and their applications in enhancing the performance of elite athletes. Protocols for 18 internationally recognized sports are introduced, and for each sport a rationale for the tests, lists of necessary equipment, and detailed testing procedures are provided. Normative data collected from athletes competing at national and international levels serve as excellent reference points for measuring elite athletes. New to the second edition are sport-specific assessments for Australian football, BMX cycling, rugby, sprint kayaking, high-performance walking, and indoor and beach volleyball.
The second edition of Physiological Tests for Elite Athletes also features other enhancements, including extensive updates to normative data and reference material as well as several new chapters. New information on data collection and handling covers approaches for analyzing data from the physiological monitoring of individual athletes and for groups of athletes in team sports. Revised chapters on environmental physiology provide current insights regarding altitude training and training in heat and humidity. Discussions of the scientific basis of various strategies for athlete recovery in both training and competition enable readers to make sound decisions in employing those strategies to help their athletes optimally recover.
For exercise physiologists, coaches, and exercise physiology students, Physiological Tests for Elite Athletes, Second Edition, is the essential guide to the most effective assessment protocols available. Using the precise and proven protocols in this authoritative resource, exercise physiologists can acquire detailed information to assist athletes’ preparation.
Part I: Laboratory and Athlete Preparation
Chapter 1: Quality Assurance in Exercise Physiology Laboratories
Evaluating Quality Assurance
Australian Certification Model
Implementing Quality Assurance
References
Chapter 2: Pretest Environment and Athlete Preparation
Risk Management Processes
Quality Assurance Considerations
Medical Screening
Musculoskeletal Screening
Informed Consent
Pretest Athlete Questionnaire
Pretest Diet Considerations
Pretest Checklists
References
Chapter 3: Data Collection and Analysis
Data Capture and Storage
Data Cleansing
Data Transformation
Analytical Approaches to Testing Athletes
Measurement Studies
Presentation of Results
References
Part II: Testing Concepts and Athlete Monitoring
Chapter 4: Ergometer-Based Maximal Neuromuscular Power
Muscular Power Output
Maximal Power Output
Peak Power Output
Maximal Neuromuscular Power
Expected Test Scores and Data Interpretation
References
Chapter 5: Anaerobic Capacity
Energy Systems
Lactate and Fatigue
Anaerobic ATP Production
Maximal Accumulated Oxygen Deficit
References
Chapter 6: Blood Lactate Thresholds
Blood Lactate Testing Rationale
Concepts and Controversies
Test Protocols
Practical Applications
References
Chapter 7: Determination of Maximal Aerobic Power (VO2max)
Theoretical Rationale
Ergometers
VO2 Test Systems
Volumetric and Gas Analysis Equipment
General Procedures
Calculations
References
Chapter 8: Altitude Training
Classical Altitude Training
Live High, Train Low
Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure and Training
Using Hypoxia to Prepare for Competition at Altitude
Using Hypoxia to Prepare for Competition at Sea Level
Altitude and Illness
References
Chapter 9: Heat
Physiological Responses to Hot Environmental Conditions
Performance in the Heat
Use of Heat and Humidity as a Training Intervention
Core Temperature Measurement Site
Heat-Associated Illness
References
Chapter 10: Physiological Recovery
Compression Clothing
Hydrotherapy
Sleep
Massage
Stretching
Active Recovery
References
Part III: Fundamental Assessment Principles and Protocols
Chapter 11: Assessment of Physique
Body Composition Models
Air Displacement Plethysmography
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Surface Anthropometry
Alternate Technologies
Factors Influencing Reliability of Methods
References
Chapter 12: Testing and Training Agility
Factors Influencing Agility Performance
Contemporary Definition of Agility
Agility Testing Protocols
Individual Interpretation of Tests
Training Directions Based on Test Results
References
Chapter 13: Strength and Power Assessment Protocols
Relationship Between Strength And Power
Strength and Power Assessment Principles
Strength, Power, and Functional Performance
References
Chapter 14: Field Testing Principles and Protocols
Test Reliability
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
References
Chapter 15: Perceptual–Cognitive and Perceptual–Motor Contributions to Elite Performance
Anticipating the Movement of an Opponent
Recognizing Typical Patterns of Play in Team Sports
Possessing Superior Decision-Making Skills
Superior Anticipation of Event Probabilities
Improved Capacity to Dual Task
Constructing and Implementing a Testing Battery
Task Representation
ReferencesPart IV: Physiological Protocols for the Assessment of Athletes in Specific Sports
Chapter 16: Australian Football Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 17: Basketball Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 18: Cricket Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 19: High-Performance Cyclists
Track Cycling
Road Cycling
BMX
Mountain Bike
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 20: Football (Soccer) Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 21: Hockey Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 22: Netball Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 23: Rowers
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 24: Rugby League Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 25: Rugby Union Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 26: Runners and Walkers
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 27: Sailors
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 28: Sprint Kayak Athletes
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 29: Swimmers
Practical Applications of Physiological Testing
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 30: Tennis Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 31: Triathletes
Establishing Guidelines for Quantifying Training and Racing
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 32: Indoor and Beach Volleyball Players
Indoor Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
Chapter 33: Water Polo Players
Athlete Preparation
Test Environment
Equipment Checklist
Test Protocols
References
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is the High Performance Division of the Australian Sports Commission and Australia’s premier sport training institute. The AIS has gained an international reputation as a best-practice model for high-performance athlete development delivering outstanding results through a combination of skilled coaches, world-class facilities, and cutting-edge sport science and sports medicine services. The institute offers 36 sport programs in 26 sports, with hundreds of scholarships offered annually to Australia’s finest athletes.
The headquarters of the AIS is located in Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory. AIS programs are also located throughout Australia in Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney as well as in Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom.