Author(s): RIEGEL, F., COSTELLO, J., LOVE, J., WILLIAMS, T., WILKES, M., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 1154

INTRODUCTION:
Emerging high-risk sports challenge established approaches in applied sports physiology research, for example Hike&Fly (H&F), where athletes complete a route on foot or by paraglider only. This study explores the feasibility of data collection methods across the 1,200km course of an international, multi-day H&F competition for the first time.
METHODS:
Using the framework by Orsmond & Cohn (2015), we explored feasibility of i) an online survey about sleep, fatigue and exertion, ii) in-person cognitive and physical data collection before, during and after competition, and iii) interviews regarding race preparation across two Red Bull X-Alps editions (2023; n=2, and 2025: n=8). We also assessed acceptability from participants' perspective.
RESULTS:
We completed 9/10 (90%) in-person sessions with two athletes for heart rate/heart rate variability and cognitive performance testing in 2023. A decline in cognitive performance, specifically throughput, was observed during racing and recovered at 24h post-race. Resting heart rate increased up to 49% and 65% respectively. In 2025, all 28 physical tests (100%) were completed with two athletes (seven measurements each). Tests revealed decreased maximal jumping distance and isometric leg strength between baseline and follow-up. Of 53 possible daily surveys in 2025, 46 (87%) were completed. Decreases in hours spent sleeping, increased fatigue, and increased perceived exertion was reported. Two participants (100%, 2023) and 7 of 8 (88%, 2025) completed interviews, demonstrating heterogeneous race preparation approaches determined by biopsychosocial factors, time and financial resources, and the athletes' environment. With an 80% cut-off, all methods are feasible and participants showed high acceptance.
CONCLUSION:
All the data collection methods we describe are feasible in multi-day H&F competition. Close cooperation between researchers, athletes and organisers is essential to identify meaningful constructs that can be transferred between high-risk sports and evolving competition formats. As researchers, we should strive for mixed-method designs and shared minimum datasets that preserve ecological validity while enabling comparability across as the field progresses.

References: Orsmond GI, Cohn ES. The Distinctive Features of a Feasibility Study: Objectives and Guiding Questions. OTJR (Thorofare N J). 2015 Jul;35(3):169-77