ECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP24
INTRODUCTION: Sprint kayaking involves high-intensity efforts lasting approximately 30 seconds to over 3 minutes, depending on race distance (200–1000 m), requiring substantial contributions from both anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. Performance is determined not only by peak power output but also by the ability to sustain high power under increasing metabolic stress. Training periodization in elite kayakers typically progresses from aerobic and maximal strength development in the preparation phase toward more race-specific, high-intensity work during the competitive season. While peak power and VO₂max are commonly monitored, less attention has been paid to seasonal changes in power sustainability and fatigue dynamics during supramaximal efforts. The Wingate test is widely used to assess anaerobic performance; however, variables such as mean power and fatigue index may better reflect sport-specific adaptations than peak power alone. Longitudinal data describing seasonal shifts in these parameters in elite sprint kayakers remain limited. Therefore, examining intra-seasonal changes in Wingate-derived performance characteristics may provide valuable insight for performance monitoring and training optimization. METHODS: Twenty-five elite Czech national team athletes (15 men, 10 women) completed a 30-s Wingate test on a kayak ergometer during the preparatory period (January) and the competitive season (June). Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and body mass–normalized power (W·kg⁻¹) were analysed. Blood lactate concentration was measured 5 and 7 min post-exercise. RESULTS: During the competitive season, peak power decreased significantly, whereas mean power and relative mean power increased. In men, peak power decreased by 32 W (p = 0.005) and mean power increased by 25 W (p < 0.001); in women, peak power decreased by 25 W (p = 0.019), while absolute mean power remained unchanged. Relative mean power increased in both sexes. Post-exercise blood lactate responses did not differ between seasons (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Elite sprint kayakers demonstrate a seasonal shift in anaerobic performance characterized primarily by improved power sustainability rather than increases in peak power during the competitive season. These findings suggest that competition-specific training enhances the ability to maintain high-intensity output under fatigue. The Wingate test appears sensitive to these training-induced adaptations and may serve as a practical tool for long-term performance monitoring in elite sprint kayaking.
Read CV Tomas CASRIECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP24
INTRODUCTION: Vibrotactile technology utilizes the principles of dermatologic afferent pathways to provide sensory feedback and is increasingly being explored for its potential to enhance athletic performance. This technology leverages wearable devices to deliver real-time haptic feedback, theoretically helping athletes refine movement patterns, improve posture, and enhance proprioception. Vibrotactile feedback can assist in correcting form, optimizing biomechanics, and reducing the risk of injury. Research suggests that it can be particularly effective in sports requiring precision and coordination it has shown improvement in reaction times and muscle activation, making it a valuable tool for both training and rehabilitation. As advancements in wearable technology continue, vibrotactile systems will likely become more integrated into training programs, offering a new dimension of performance enhancement. This double-blind, crossover, randomized control trial evaluated athletic performance benchmarks in NCAA Division 1 athletes after use of a drug-free, non-invasive patch (VICTORY Patch; The Super Patch Company Inc.) to determine the impact of vibrotactile technology on complex athletic function. METHODS: 70 Division 1 athletes, (40 females and 30 males), including 44 power and 26 endurance athletes were enrolled in the study over 7-10 days and assigned to either active or placebo groups. Subjects were then crossed over to the alternate patch. The study evaluated changes in knee extension, knee flexion, and changes in peak power, jump height, concentric peak force asymmetry and eccentric peak force in the counter movement jump. RESULTS: Vibrotactile stimulation of the dominant leg with the VICTORY patch showed statistically significant increases in maximum force, average force, and right-to-left imbalance for isolated movement. The VICTORY patch also showed statistically significant increases in concentric peak force asymmetry and eccentric peak force for counter movement jump. Placebo testing showed fewer statistically significant changes, and the VICTORY patch had a statistically greater effect in left knee flexion testing. CONCLUSION: This study implies that patch-based vibrotactile strategies may improve strength and performance outcomes in elite athletes. The findings support wearable, vibrotactile technology as a promising and low-risk intervention to improve athletic performance. Additional research is needed to evaluate these findings in sport-specific activities and outside of the elite athlete population. 1. Sigrist, R., Rauter, G., Riener, R., & Wolf, P. (2013). "Augmented Visual, Auditory, Haptic, and Multimodal Feedback in Motor Learning: A Review." Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 20(1), 21-53. 2. Kosmas, P., Munih, M., & Pišot, R. (2018). "Haptic Motor Learning through Wearable Vibrotactile Feedback: A Systematic Review." Sensors, 18(11), 3894. 3. Chi, W., Heinen, T., & Shea, C. H. (2020). "Vibrotactile Feedback Enhances Postural Control and Motor Learning in Athletes."
Read CV Peter HurwitzECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP24
INTRODUCTION: Research describing jet lag and travel fatigue in Para-athletes is limited. They face additional logistical and impairment specific challenges that may influence circadian resynchronisation. This study explored perceptual jet lag and travel fatigue across a transmeridian travel journey in elite Para-athletes. METHODS: Nine elite Para-swimmers (mean ± SD: age = 21.7 ± 3.3yr) travelled eastward from Brisbane, Australia to Indianapolis, USA, crossing 14 time zones for competition. Athletes completed subjective questionnaires assessing jet lag, chronotype, sleep habits, and sleep diaries. The study included five travel stages: pre-flight, long-haul (LH) and post-LH flight, short-haul (SH) and post-SH flight. Questionnaires were completed daily or once, depending on the item. Descriptive statistics characterised patterns and variability in jet lag and fatigue, while dynamic Bayesian network modelling explored day-to-day temporal interactions possibly influencing the daily change in jet lag. RESULTS: Jet lag was 2.59 ± 1.25 a.u. pre-flight, peaked the morning after LH travel (7.00 ± 1.70 a.u.), and gradually declined thereafter but remained elevated on the final day of measurement (1.00 ± 1.89 a.u.). Fatigue disturbance exhibited moderate mean changes across travel stages, peaking during LH travel (1.58 ± 2.43 a.u.) with greater variability, before stabilising thereafter. Sleep disturbance was minimal pre-flight, increased during LH flight (1.93 ± 2.27 a.u.), and returned towards baseline thereafter. Functional disturbance was elevated pre-flight (1.37 ± 1.08 a.u.), declined across travel stages, and was lowest during SH travel (-0.15 ± 0.35 a.u.). Diet and bowel movement disturbances increased slightly during LH and SH travel before trending toward pre-flight levels post SH-flight. Total sleep time was highest pre-flight (7.42 ± 1.38h), decreased during LH travel (6.07 ± 1.99h), and recovered post SH-flight (7.50 ± 1.63h). Sleep efficiency declined during LH travel (79.98 ± 15.22%) and gradually increased thereafter, peaking post SH-flight (90.73 ± 8.62%). CONCLUSION: Jet lag and travel fatigue recovery appears prolonged relative to theoretical circadian reintrainment estimates of 1.5 hours per day during phase delay, with noticeable inter-individual variability among elite Para-swimmers. Perceptual jet lag ratings mirror a dynamic system of interacting constructs rather than being driven by a single isolated factor. Future research assessing circadian phase and physiological markers is needed to clarify recovery timelines and mechanisms underlying this variability.
Read CV Andrie SteynECSS Paris 2023: OP-AP24