Sport Science Report: Technology and Training
By Dr. Terry Shepard


Recently, the devising and implementing of training programs has taken a more "technical" approach. New technologies have been developed that give the trainer/coach reliable circulatory and metabolic data that historically could only be generated in exercise physiology laboratories. Output from lactate analyzers and telemetry-type heart rate monitors now give accurate information about energy system dynamics and oxygen delivery capacities on a "real-time" basis.

For example, a lactate analyzer is now available that can provide accurate measurements of blood lactic acid in millimole/liter with testing procedures that are identical to a simple glucometer. That is, by just pricking the finger and placing a drop of blood on an analyzer strip, blood lactic acid levels are revealed after 60 seconds. Similarly, inexpensive heart rate monitors worn like a wrist watch yield heart rate measurements at five second intervals. These data are invaluable to refine the already proven methods used to design training programs.

Training programs for sport competitions have been typically designed by trial-and-error methods. Times from prior performances serve as baseline data aiding coaches and trainers in setting sport specific training workloads. These procedures provide a blueprint for the development of elaborate systematic training protocols. Another measurement of training intensity is the perceived exertion of the athlete.

As exercise intensity fluctuates, physiological processes are monitored under the direction of an incredibly complicated endogenous feedback mechanism correlating Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) numbers (using a scale of zero to 10 or six to 20) against physiological measurements such as the percent of VO2max, lactate threshold and other indices of performance capacity. The arrival of telemetry-type heart rate monitors and simple lactate analyzers proved additional information to refine the art of devising and implementing training programs.

VO2max is determined by the body's ability to intake oxygen through the lungs, transport it by the pumping of the heart, and the utilization of the oxygen by the active muscle. It represents the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use in order to break food down for energy.

Endurance aquatic athletes or anaerobic/technique type athletes, such as competitive divers, can benefit from using current technology in monitoring and developing their training programs. As technology has progressed, trainers have gravitated to an index of anaerobic metabolism called the Lactate Threshold. Correctly used, the Lth serves as a benchmark to determine appropriate training intensity. Lth is the point at which lactic acid begins to accumulate in the blood.

Physiologically, the Lth represents the inability to remove lactic acid as fast as it is produced by the working musculature. The accumulation is attributed to several metabolic and oxygen delivery interactions that require an explanation that is beyond the scope of this article. Nevertheless, the application of the Lth is based on sound exercise-science principles and has proven effective. The inflection point represents the Lth. Establishing this point allows the trainer/coach to identify three components of intensity in a training program.

Long Slow Distance Training (LSDT)
The intensity level for the LSDT occurs below the Lth and makes up the largest portion of the athlete's training load. LSDT is thought to improve peripheral circulation and metabolic processes within the trained muscles.

Tempo or "Pace" Training
Pace training requires that the athlete train at an intensity equal to or just above the Lth. This intensity is similar to the pace maintained during the actual competition. Spending time training at the Lth improves the athlete's ability to tolerate and remove lactate more efficiently.

Speed Work
Supra threshold training is required to improve central circulatory function (heart function). It is also designed to promote an anaerobic condition in the muscles so that oxygen uptake processes adapt and improve.

The three levels of training are "periodized" to prevent staleness and overtraining. As the specific phase of training requires a higher intensity, the duration must be decreased. Both intensity and duration are altered with training frequency so that the program progresses without promoting long term overtraining. Monitoring heart rates during an incremental exercise test can determine the heart rate ranges to be achieved for each of the three training levels. The diver then wears a heart rate monitor during the dry land training session to be sure the desired training intensity is achieved. Thanks to current technology, metabolic/circulatory specific training can now be used by athletes and coaches of all levels. These techniques should not replace current methods of training using performance times and the athlete's perceptions of fatigue and level of exertion. On the other hand, the "high tech" methods should be used to refine and augment current practices.

References
Pate, R.R. And J.D. Branch. Training for endurance sport. Med. Sci.Sports Exerc, vol.24, No. 9 Supplement, pp. S304-S343, 1992.
Brooks, G.A., Fahey, T.D., White, P.W. Exercise Physiology: Human Bioenergetis and Its Applications. (2nd ed.), Mayfield Publishing Company, California.