Main description:

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.

Contents:

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

References

Part 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