Purpose: To compare the training-volume (TrV) distribution of Russian international-level male biathletes, female biathletes, and cross-country skiers (XC) during an annual cycle. Methods: Day-to-day TrVs were recorded and averaged for a 5-year period for male biathletes (n = 6), female biathletes (n = 8), and XC (n = 14) with VO2max values of 77.7 (3.8), 64.6 (1.9), and 79.4 (3.5) mL·min−1·kg−1, respectively. Results: The volumes of low- and moderate-intensity endurance training and all types of nonspecific endurance and strength training gradually decreased toward the competition period. However, the volumes and proportions of high-intensity endurance training and specific exercises (roller skiing, skiing, and shooting during high-intensity endurance training) increased by the time of the competition period. The total volume of training, volumes of low- and moderate-intensity endurance training, moderate- and high-load strength training (70%–95% 1RM), and power/speed loads did not increase gradually but reached their maximum immediately after a short stage of initial training. All teams employed the “pyramid” model of intensity distribution. Compared with the biathletes, XC demonstrated a larger (P < .01) annual volume of endurance training (~190 h), low-intensity endurance training (~183 h), and strength training (~818 sets). They also engaged in more upper-body and core-strength exercises (~769 sets), and they reached their maximum aerobic TrVs in June, while the biathletes reached theirs in July. Conclusions: In recent decades, the traditional model of periodization has been altered. The Russian XC and biathletes had significant differences in TrVs.

The study intended to compare the training load volume (TrV) distribution of elite Russian (RuXC) and Norwegian (NorXC) crosscountry skiers in a one-year macrocycle. Daily TrV of 11 RuXC skiers averaged for the period 2014/15-2017/18. The NorXC skiers' TrV obtained from the study by Sandbakk (2017). RuXC skiers had a lower volume of low-intensity (LIT, below aerobic threshold) and high-intensity (HIT, above anaerobic threshold) endurance training. They used a "pyramidal" model of intensity ratio during the entire macrocycle and did not decrease the volume of moderate-intensity (MIT) endurance training in competition periods (CPs). Conversely, NorXC skiers followed the "pyramidal" model of intensity in the preparation period (PP) but the "polarized" model in CP, significantly reducing the volume of MIT and increasing that of HIT. RuXC skiers increased TrVs more rapidly at the beginning of PPs, achieving TrV peak in June, and then gradually decreased them by March. NorXC skiers increased TrVs gradually by July and then maintained this approximate volume until November. RuXC skiers had peak volumes of LIT and strength training simultaneously in June; NorXC skiers engaged in large amounts of strength training in May and June until reaching maximum endurance loads. RuXC skiers had two "blocks" of strength training; NorXC skiers had three. A comparative analysis of the TrV distributions among the RuXC and NorXC skiers revealed significant similarity. Therefore, they can consider as models of the modern annual periodization of training loads for this kind of sport.

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Introduction. The aim of our work was to study the effect of natural hypoxia applied by elite athletes in the course of common training. Data analysed in this paper were collected during joint Russian-Chinese research on the training of elite athletes, who were members of the Russian national team (8 male biathletes, B-team) and 2016 Chinese Olympic team (12 female rowers, R-team).Material and methods. The study was held in the preparatory period, which lasted 4-5 months. The preparatory period in each team was divided into two stages. In the R-team, in the first stage, a training camp was organised at sea level (SL) (200 m, 57 days), and in the second stage, an altitude camp (AC) was held at 2,280 m (40 days). In the B-team, in the first stage, two training camps were held: the first one at 1,100 m (AC, June-July, 19 days) and the second one, a sea level camp (SLC), at 140 m (July-August, 31 days). Thus, the second control test was preceded by 31-day-long training at SL. In the second stage (September-October), three training camps were held: the first one at 1,100 m (AC, 19 days), the second one at 150 m (SLC, 13 days), and the third one at 1,100-2,800 m (AC, 11 days). Both teams underwent three control tests: prior to the first training stage, at the end of the first training stage, and 6-8 days after the end of the second training stage. All control tests were performed at SL.Results. Monitoring of elite athletes’ training in the preparatory period showed positive changes in physical preparedness in both groups. However, we found that those positive changes might not be related to an additional effect of natural hypoxia.Conclusion. Our study has shown that rational and well-balanced planning according to training goals is the key factor in improving general and specific athletic preparedness.

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Aim of the study: to identify mutual interaction between the reaction to a moving object with functional state of the central nervous system and kinematic-dynamic parameters of complex coordination movement.Materials and methods: 9 elite alpine skiers were participated in this study. Visual-motor coordination variables were assessed by computer complex for psychophysiological testing NS-Psychotest (Neurosoft, Russia). Dynamic parameters of complex coordination movement during counter movement jump were registered on the MuscleLab Force Plate (Ergotest Innovation A.S., Norway). Quantitation of hormones — adrenaline and noradrenaline as well as neurotransmitters — dopamine and serotonin in blood samples was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph combined with triple quadrupole mass analyzer LCMS-8060 (Shimadzu, Japan).Results: a significant negative relationship between the maximum output of motor efforts during counter movement jump, mean reaction time and the number of negative reactions recorded within visual-motor coordination testing was documented. A reliable positive relationship between excitation processes, jump power and jump time was established. Increases in noradrenaline and serotonin concentrations are positively associated with the number of accurate reactions, whereas dopamine level was positively correlated with jump altitude.Conclusion: the predominance of excitation over inhibition processes in the central nervous system had a positive effect on reducing the time spent on counter moving and increasing the maximum power of movement. As applied to alpine skiers we registered the following relationship: the higher the speeds of signal perception and muscle activation when solving a visual-motor task, the higher the power of working efforts, the shorter the time of the eccentric phase and total time spent on performing counter movement jump.