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Is the Olympic boardsailor an endurance athlete?
G De Vito1, L Di Filippo, A Rodio
1Human Physiology Institute, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Elite Olympic boardsailors exhibit high aerobic capacity, with energy expenditure during races closely matching their aerobic thresholds. Partial anaerobic metabolism involvement suggests it can limit performance in demanding conditions.
Area of Science:
- Sports Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Understanding the physiological demands of elite sports is crucial for optimizing training.
- Boardsailing requires significant cardiorespiratory fitness and energy expenditure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the physiological profile of Olympic boardsailors.
- To quantify the energy cost of boardsailing under demanding conditions.
Main Methods:
- Maximal cycle ergometer tests to assess VO2peak and ventilatory threshold (Tvent).
- Telemetric monitoring of oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR) during actual boardsailing.
- Anthropometric measurements including body fat percentage.
Main Results:
- Male boardsailors had higher VO2peak (63.6 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) than females (49.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)).
- Boardsailing VO2 values were near or above Tvent (75% max in males, 60% max in females), indicating an aerobic nature.
- Mean blood lactate levels (6 mMol x l(-1) in males, 5 mMol x l(-1) in females) suggest partial anaerobic metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Olympic boardsailing is predominantly aerobic but involves partial anaerobic metabolism.
- Anaerobic contributions may limit performance during intense regatta phases.
- Physiological data can inform targeted training strategies for boardsailors.