Treadmill ergometry and heart-volumes in elite biathletes: a longitudinal study

In a retrospective study in elite biathletes we investigated to what extent spiroergometric data, determinations of the anaerobic threshold and measurements of heart volume were related to former training programs, respectively subsequent achievements in competition. Between 1980 and 1987 top athletes of international (team A) as well as of national class (team B) underwent maximal graded treadmill tests in the laboratory. Twice a year maximal oxygen uptake (ml/kg.bw/min), maximal treadmill velocity (km/h), oxygen uptake and treadmill velocity at the anaerobic threshold (defined at 4 mmol/l lactate) were measured during maximal exercise, and absolute and relative heart-volume (heart volume/kg.bw) were evaluated at rest. Evaluation of ergospirometric and heart volume data revealed some relationship to various forms and intensities of training. Observations of team A athletes showed that up to 1985 there was a fairly good relationship between ergospirometry findings and achievements in competition during the following season. For heart volume, however, no such relationship could be found. The skating method introduced in cross-country skiing in 1985 gave more importance to the running technique than to absolute endurance capacity. From this time on the predictive value of laboratory tests clearly diminished.