Blood parameters and biathlon performance

Abstract

Aim: Biathlon is a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. There is no well-described model of performance in this multi-sport event. This study aimed to identify the parameters influencing biathlon performance. In addition, the study aimed to search for a relationship between performance and measured blood parameters and to determine whether higher hemoglobin concentration [Hb] was associated with improved performance.

Methods: Eighty-three male biathletes underwent pre-competition blood sampling in selected World Cup competitions. For all athletes (N=83) and for a subgroup of top-athletes (N=37), performance parameters identified were related to final standings by univariate and multiple regression analyses and, subsequently, to blood parameters measured on the same day. In athletes tested twice with different [Hb], performance corresponding to competitions with lower and higher [Hb] was compared.

Results: Among the parameters considered, the percent variation for both groups in best skiing time and percent of missed targets were independent determinants of performance (R2=0.853, 0.834, respectively) and were not correlated to blood parameters. In athletes with two samples, despite significantly different (Hb), no corresponding changes in performance were observed.

Conclusions: In this study, the determinants of biathlon performance were identified. A relationship between measured blood parameters was not found, and the individual (Hb) variations observed were not associated with improved performance.