THE USE OF INDIVIDUAL TRAINING PULSE ZONES TO PREVENT OVERTRAINING IN SLED-HOCKEY PLAYERS

Objective: to examine the effect of training programs based on the individual training pulse zones (IPZ) on performance indicators and markers of overtraining in Paralympic athletes.
Materials and Methods: 30 slag-hockey players, members of the Russian national sled-hockey team (mean age of 30.4±4,4) were examined twice a year during the 2 years training cycle (2012-2014). Performance was assessed with arm ergometry with ECG and direct gas analysis (Sсhiller, Switzerland). Duration of each step was 3 min with the loads of 40, 60, 80, etc. watts. The rotation speed was 65-75 rpm. Blood sample analysis was used to estimate the dynamics of activity of enzymes (ALT, AST), CPK, levels of the muscle myoglobin, cortisol, testosterone, Ig-E and Beta-CTx.
Results: the basic performance indicators in early precompetitive period of the Olympic preparation cycle increased significantly. Blood tests demonstrated a strong trend in decrease of levels of fatigue markers from the beginning of usingthe individual pulse zones in trainings design.
Conclusions: use of IPZ in trainings ofsled-hockey players has resulted in a significant increase of their aerobic capacity, also contributed to the decrease of levels of overtraining markers, and reduced number of ECG abnormalities. The results of this study indicate a high efficiency of use of IPZ in order to enhance adaptive capacity and prevent overtraining in sled-hockey players.