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Data-informed coaching
Remove guess-work out of the equation in your training approach. But to do so, you need valid, reliable and accurate data to help you to make the smartest decisions. Not all tools can offer this level of accuracy and validity. In other words, not all data has the same level of scientific rigor and usability in sportscoaching.
In our coaching philosophy data play an important role. We only use tools that are scientifically backed and provide the added value we are looking for. To get an in-depth view on the athlete's characteristics, performances and ability to adapt to the training program, we use a combination of subjective and objective performance and recovery markers. Each athlete is monitored with INSCYD performance software to get a 360° metabolic profile, power analysis and recovery analysis.
This data-informed approach guarantees:
More effective training (better results for the training time and money you invest in your training);
Reduced risk of health issues or injuries;
Increased motivation and well-being;
Feel free to contact us if you have questions about this blog post.
Environmental challenges facing athletes, stakeholders and spectators at Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games could face environmental challenges related to heat, air quality and water quality. These challenges will pose potential threats to athletes and impact thousands of stakeholders and millions of spectators
Recommendations to beat the heat
2 weeks heat acclimation: 60-90 min exercise/day in the heat, sauna, warm water immersion
Proper hydration and electrolyte intake
Proper carbohydrate intake
Adapt/shorten warm-up, cool-down routines
Adapt race pacing and tactics
Use appropriate clothing (light, breathable, ...) and gear (cool vest)
Follow LOC recommendations
Recommendations regarding air quality
Monitor pollution levels
Limit exposure time to environments with low air quality
Train in the morning to avoid Ozone peak
Train indoors
Consume anti-oxidants
Minimize exposure to infectious respiratory illness
Wash hands, use hand sanitizer, use face masks (FFP2)
Follow LOC recommendations
Recommendations regarding water quality
Limit exposure to poor water quality
Train in safe environments
Follow LOC recommendations
How can I learn more?
Feel free to contact us if you have questions about this study or how you can have your personal metabolic profile tested.
Link to the full-text
Can a world class junior cyclist beat a multiple Tour de France winner?
Three-week cycling Grand Tours (Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a Espagna, Tour de France) are one of the most physically demanding and iconic events in sports competition.
VO2max > 96 ml·min−1·kg−1
The general classification in Grand Tours is typically won during the mountain stages and individual time trials. It is suggested that a minimum VO2max of 80 ml·min−1·kg−1 is required to win cycling Grand Tours. Recently, Rønnestad and colleagues reported a new record in VO2max in a junior cyclist achieving an astonishing 96 ml·min−1·kg−1. Although other physiological parameters such as the power output at metabolic steady state and the gross efficiency might be as important as VO2max for a professional cyclist, it is tempting to speculate if this junior cyclist can outperform a multiple Grand Tour winner.
Junior beats the elite?
This study investigated the performance capacity in 2 exceptional cyclists in an individual time trial and a mountain stage. Calculations of cycling power were performed using a validated mathematical model and the physiological response was assessed by an advanced model of muscle physiology (INSCYD). Despite the extreme aerobic power of the junior cyclist, he could not create a competitive advantage over the elite cyclist due to a lower cycling economy and too high anaerobic power (Vlamax).
What can be learned from this study?
These results demonstrate that to understand exercise performance a full metabolic profile should be analyzed. Not only the maximal power of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism determines performance, but also substrate utilization and lactate dynamics. In this case study, it was clear that the multiple GT winner would outperform the junior due to a better developed fat metabolism and glycogen sparing.
How can I get a metabolic profile?
Feel free to contact us if you have questions about this study or how you can have your personal metabolic profile tested.
Link to the full-text
INSCYD performance software is valid to determine MLSS
The maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) determines the highest exercise intensity in lactate (metabolic) steady state. This physiological characteristic is important for performance prediction, design training programs or training zones. The golden standard method to determine MLSS requires 2-5 tests on separate test occasions and is a costly and time consuming procedure.
Independent scientific research
This independent scientific study investigated the accuracy and validity of INSCYD athletic performance software to determine the MLSS in cycling from a classic VO2max and sprint test. The study showed high accuracy of the software in calculating the cycling power at MLSS, in both male and female subjects.
Why should I care?
These results demonstrate that INSCYD offers a practical way to determine MLSS accurately, among other physiological metrics. This information can be used in a data-informed coaching approach to design more effective training programs, training zones and pacing strategies. The results are valid for both male and female athletes.
How can I get a metabolic profile?
Feel free to contact us if you have questions about this study or how you can have your personal metabolic profile tested.
Link to the full-text
Reliability of 15s sprint tests on a cycling ergometer
Recently, the interest for testing the athlete's glycolytic power has increasing in the coaching community and academia. Based on Mader's mathematical model, the rate of capillary blood lactate formation (VLamax) following a maximal exercise bout is thought to reflect the maximal glycolytic power. For this purpose, a sprint test has been developed by Weber (2003) and has been (partly) replicated in later studies by several research groups.
Reliability research
Before assessing the validity of a test (if the test is reflecting real world conditions), reliability should be investigated. Most studies found high levels of test-retest reliability for cycling power output and lactate concentration, both important metrics to calculate the VLamax. However, approximation of the alactic energy contribution (from PCr) is difficult and impacts on VLamax reliability.
It should be noted that testing equipment and ergometer settings influence the test results and VLamax calculations. This has been nicely demonstrated in the study of Harnish et al (2023) using a consumer range ergometer and handheld lactate analyzer. Their data revealed only moderately reliable power, lactate and VLamax data. Meixner and colleagues (2024) performed a similar study, with lab accurate equipment. Their data showed very high reliability in power, lactate and VLamax data.
What can we learn from these studies?
Not all 15s sprints are suitable to assess VLamax.
Lab accurate equipment is needed to assess VLamax if you apply the methodology described by Meixner et al (2024)
Testing rigor, including a standardized test protocol, is needed to become valid VLamax assessments.
Do you like to learn more?
Feel free to contact us if you have questions about this topic.
Link to the full-text
FTP ≠ MLSS
Identifying the exercise intensity at maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is a crucial aspect for predicting performance, prescribing exercise training, and evaluating the effectiveness of training interventions. In cycling and triathlon, a popular approach is to determine this exercise intensity by testing their functional threshold power (FTP), which can be easily performed in field conditions.
The question remains if FTP is a valid test to assess MLSS and can be used interchangeably.
Validity research
Inglis and colleagues investigated this question. They performed a validation study investigating the validity of FTP in a training context. They observed high correlations between FTP and MLSS (r: 0.96) in a sample of 18 trained and well-trained subjects. FTP overestimated MLSS with 20-30 watts, depending on the applied FTP method.
The correlation between FTP and MLSS was deteriorated dramatically after the training intervention. FTP didn't change after the training intervention, whereas MLSS was significantly increased.
What can we learn from this study?
FTP overestimates MLSS
FTP is less sensitive than MLSS to capture training adaptations.
Do you like to learn more?
Feel free to contact us if you have questions about this topic.
Link to the scientific publication.
