Glenn Björklund

Purpose : To identify differences in heart rate (HR) and concentration of blood lactate ([La]) relationships between laboratory- and field-based skate-roller-skiing tests. Methods : Fourteen world-class biathletes (8 women, 6 men) completed a laboratory- and field-based roller-skiing test using the skate technique. The laboratory-based test comprised 5 to 7 submaximal steps at a fixed incline and speed on a roller-skiing treadmill. The field-based test comprised 5 steps on a course where the final hill was designed to mimic the conditions of the laboratory test. HR and [La] were measured for each step. The HR associated with 2 mmol·L −1 (HR @2 mmol ) and 4 mmol·L −1 (HR @4 mmol ) of [La] was calculated using an interpolation method. A 1-way analysis of variance and Bland–Altman analyses with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used to determine if test type influenced HR @2 mmol or HR @4 mmol . A second-order polynomial was fitted to group-level data to highlight the HR–[La] relationships for laboratory- and field-based tests. Results : HR @2 mmol was lower for field tests than for laboratory tests (mean bias: 1.9%HR max ; 95% LoA: −4.5 to +8.3%HR max ; P < .001). HR @4 mmol was also lower for field tests compared to laboratory tests (mean bias: 2.4%HR max ; 95% LoA: −1.2 to +6.0%HR max ; P < .001). On the group level, the lactate threshold occurred at a lower HR during roller skiing in the field compared to the laboratory. Conclusions : The findings from this study confirm that for a given HR, [La] was greater in field- compared with laboratory-based conditions. These results might have implications for how coaches define training-intensity “zones” during skate roller skiing based on laboratory tests.

Background : Compared with other major global team sports such as football or basketball, ice hockey has received considerably less attention in sport-science research. However, the research focus on ice hockey performance is growing rapidly. Unfortunately, despite the growing interest in ice hockey, among the little research that has been conducted there are inconsistencies in terminology and methodology in the study of physiology and performance during games. The need for systematic and standardized reporting of study methodology is vital, as a lack of methodological detail or methodological inconsistencies make it impossible to replicate published studies, and alterations in the methodologies used can influence the measured demands imposed on players. Accordingly, this prohibits the ability of coaches to generate game-replicating training programs, decreasing the application of research findings to practice. In addition, a lack of methodological detail or methodological inconsistencies can result in incorrect conclusions being made from research. Purpose : In this invited commentary, we aim to increase awareness regarding the current standard of methodological reporting in ice hockey game-analysis research. In addition, we have developed a framework for the standardization of game analysis in ice hockey in order to allow for greater replication in future research and to increase the application of published findings to practice. Conclusions : We implore researchers in the field to consult the Ice Hockey Game Analysis Research Methodological Reporting Checklist in order to adopt a detailed reporting standard of methodologies in future work to help improve the applicability of research outcomes.