As master orienteers, we become more aware of our own health in regard to sports and competition. With knowledge of our body and health, we can minimize the risks and increase the health and training benefits. Cardiovascular risk is a common problem with increased prevalence with age, and many times comes without warning.
Health and fitness testing for orienteers
A unique 4-day program for health testing during orienteering
In the program:
- Testing of fitness and thresholds (CPET, V02max).
- Consultation and field testing (during orienteering) with general doctor, sports medicine doctor, cardiologist and physiotherapist.
- Exercise economy (for injury prevention and running economy) together with experienced physiotherapist.
- Your values and recommendations from assessment by doctors and physiotherapists.
One of the most important tests performed during the program is the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), known to athletes as the VO2 max test. The test measures cardiological and respiratory function and gives values to physical capacity (oxygen consumption). With this test, your doctor can assess how the cardiovascular system, lungs, and muscles respond. The aerobic and anaerobic thresholds are assessed, on the basis of which individual exercise recommendations are made.
VO2max is the maximal oxygen consumption. Oxygen consumption during exercise is measured in oxygen (ml) per kilogram of body weight (VO2 ml / kg / min). The CPET test determines the athlete’s aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, maximum or peak oxygen consumption. The aerobic threshold is the limit when the muscle begins to produce lower levels of lactic acid. This threshold separates the warm-up / recovery zone from the working one, and is also important for weight loss, as working on this threshold results in maximum fat consumption. Anaerobic threshold is the limit at which the lactate start to accumulate faster than the body can break it down.
The clinic also offers a state-of-the-art V02max testing with the Portable Oxycon Mobile System, which allows testing and evaluation of functional performance in real-world conditions.
Heart activity (rhythm and conduction) is monitored during training to ensure the safety of program participants. Monitoring is performed using the BodyGuardian Heart system. The system allows the doctor to assess your heart activity remotely in almost real time during your exercise.
Testing of runners during 4 days
Day 1
Consultation with a medicine doctor, sports medicine doctor, cardiologist and physioherapist. We start with a health examination, risk assessment, and ultrasonographic examination of the heart, muscle and joints. The physiotherapist assesses your mobility, function and body composition. One of the most important steps for the first day is the cardio pulmonary exercise test (CPET). The CPET gives V02max and the physical reaction to the load.
Day 2 and 3
Repeated field testing during actual orienteering according to your usual exercise or competition setting. Testing is also done on different types of courses for a wider testing range. The testing course is divided in 3 loops. Before and after each loop your blood pressure, lactate and glucose is measured. Your heart is monitored continuously with wireless ECG and evaluated in near real-time by doctors. Field testing gives a good picture of your physical reaction to load and validates your individual exercise zones from the CPET.
Day 4
Evaluation and conclusions from your testing.
Individual recommendations and advice on health, exercise and performance.
Testing during real circumstances (field testing) gives a real picture of your health and performance.
The orienteering health testing program in short
Examination of your health, your physical capacity and thresholds for exercise.
Repeated testing during rest, activity ad recovery of your heart, blood pressure lactate and more.
Conclusions and recommendations for health and performance by doctors, sports medicine doctors, cardiologist and physiotherapist.
The program includes:
- Testing, examinations and V02max
- Field testing during orienteering
- Documentation of all your results and recommendations
- Running analysis (for lowered injury risk and increased running economy)
- Functional assessment by physiotherapist
- Accommodation and full board
- Physiotherapy treatments and access to the SPA