Performance factors in the new combined event of modern pentathlon

Abstract

To determine the individual tactics employed by elite modern pentathletes within each discipline of the new combined running-shooting event, and the consequences of these strategies on the overall performance. 36 male pentathletes competing in a world cup event, where running velocity, transition time, shooting time, shooting accuracy and delay per shot were measured. Performances of the top third pentathletes (TOP), the middle third pentathletes (MIDDLE) and the bottom third pentathletes in the combined event (BOTTOM) were compared. The difference in overall performance between TOP and MIDDLE/BOTTOM was predominately associated with a better shooting accuracy (79 ± 13%, 68 ± 12% and 64 ± 10% success rate, for TOP, MIDDLE, BOTTOM, respectively) and a quicker shooting time (86 ± 16s, 109 ± 19s and 117 ± 23s, for the TOP, MIDDLE, BOTTOM, respectively). No significant difference was observed on running velocity, transition time and delay per shot among the three groups. All the competitors started significantly faster over the first 200 m of each of the three 1 km running stages. The last third of the approximately 3km race was completed significantly faster by all pentathletes (p < 0.05). The main finding was that the best performers of the combined event distinguished themselves due to their greater shooting accuracy.

The relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor, irisin and cognitive skills of endurance athletes

“…[1,2,8] In consistent with these reports, in the present study endurance trained athletes performed better tasks in MSSE and IST than the sedentary controls. [36] Studies concentrating on multisport events such as biathlon [37], duathlon [38], and triathlon [39] have showed that the serial order of events may require specific physiological and cognitive demands. In the present study, we choose orienteers and pentathletes as study groups.…”

An Analysis of the Performance Determinants of Modern Pentathlon Athletes in Laser-run, A Newly-Combined Event in Modern Pentathlon

“…Comparison between these two groups could be the basis on which we could identify determinants affecting overall performance. Le Meur et al [5] evaluated athletes participating in the 2009 UIPM World Cup, hosted in Hungary, and reported that successful performance in laser-run depended on shooting accuracy. This precedent study, involving the analysis of upper, middle, and lower level athletes, found that shooting accuracy, rather than running time or running speed, was a meaningful determinant of successful performance.…”

“…Previous research by Le Meur et al [4] revealed that overall performance in the laser-run event depends on shooting factors rather than running speed and reported that when they divided athletes into three groups based on their performance, they found no difference in time required in running between the highest-level group and the other two groups, but did find that the highest-level group took the shortest time in shooting with the least delay per shooting attempt. These authors also reported that reducing the running speed just before their shooting increased their shooting accuracy and that greater running speed between phases resulted in increased delay in shooting, thereby identifying some factors that can improve performance [5]. In another study, Ball et al [6] maintained that shortening time in the shooting phase is one of the most essential determinants in improving overall laser-run performance, while stressing the necessity of training to adopt the appropriate shooting posture in the shortest time possible.…”

Biological Responses to Four Events of the Modern Pentathlon in Male and Female Athletes

“…Running speed during four stages, each of 800 m was similar, and a high peak lactate response wy ka za ły stop nio wy wzrost stężenia mle cza nu oraz tęt -na w ko lej nych eta pach, bez zmia ny cel no ści strze lania w ko lej nych se sjach [16]. Wcze śniej sze ba da nie wy ka za ło, że tyl ko po ziom wy ko na nia za da nia strzelec kie go ma udział w koń co wym wy ni ku tej kon ku rencji, na to miast szyb kość bie gu nie ró żni cu je spor towców pod ką tem ich kom pe ten cji spor to wych [17]. Bra ku je wie dzy od no śnie do za cho wa nia hor monów i mle cza nu we krwi w cza sie za wo dów w pię ciobo ju no wo cze snym.…”

“…Recently, gradual increases in blood lactate and heart rate were documented between series stages without a change in shooting performance [16]. A prior study showed that only shooting level, its time and accuracy contributed to final performance during this event, while running velocity did not distinguish athletes of lower and higher skills [17].…”