Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis - ECU Access Only
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
First Supervisor
Sophia Nimphius
Second Supervisor
Robin Thorpe
Third Supervisor
Matt Jordan
Abstract
The purpose of athlete monitoring is to provide information about training adaptation and fatigue to support decision-making, optimize training plans, and reduce the likelihood of injury or illness, ultimately enhancing performance. Extensive literature exists regarding training practices and monitoring strategies in endurance and team sports. However, there is a lack of scientific research related to training load monitoring in sprinting. At the highest level of this sport, extremely small margins can make the difference between earning an Olympic medal and not making the podium. For example, at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the difference between the gold medalist and the fourth-place finisher was just 0.3% in the Men’s 100 m final and 2.2% in the Women’s 100 m final. Given that elite sprinters can expect, on average, only 0.1-0.2% performance improvement annually, accurate, reliable, and sensitive training monitoring is crucial. Without foundational work on the quality and applicability of training monitoring data, it is difficult to interpret and make decisions from the data collected in applied sprint environments. The primary aim of this thesis is to assess methods for quantifying training load and training effects in elite sprinters. The aim of Study 1 is to assess the concurrent validity of wearable global positioning system (GPS) technology compared to a radar measurement system for maximum velocity sprinting in elite 100 m and 200 m sprinters. Study 2 aims to quantify the change in session rating of perceived exertion training impulse (RPE-TRIMP) that may occur in response to increased running distance at three running velocity ranges in elite sprinters. The aim of Study 3 is to assess the test-retest reliability of vertical jump force-time metrics obtained from a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a drop jump (DJ) performed on a dual force platform and perceived ratings of wellness (fatigue, soreness, and sleep quality) in elite sprinters. The purpose of Study 4 is to evaluate the individual and group responses of CMJ and DJ force-time metrics and perceived ratings of wellness to changes in training load over the course of a typical training period. The outcomes of this thesis will provide coaches and sport scientists with practical insights for monitoring training load and training effects in elite sprinters, facilitating informed decision making throughout the training and competition process.
DOI
10.25958/gk41-v709
Recommended Citation
Thome, M. (2024). Validity, reliability, and sensitivity of methods for monitoring training load and training effects in elite sprinters. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/gk41-v709