DIRECT AND INDIRECT METHODS FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Direct methods to evaluate the performance, as it would be the test under continuous measure of lactate or gas measurement, took place under controlled conditions. They should be carried out in physiological labs or high performance centres.

Gadgets like the treadmill can control the exercise intensity while the measurement items are doing all the hard work. For example, the gas analyzer is controlling the inhaled oxygen and the exhaled carbon dioxide.

Indirect performance evaluation methods are based on the theoretical relationship that exists between, normally, the heart rate and the element wished to analyse.

For instance, at Léger-Boucher’s test, the maximal consumption of oxygen of any runner can be predicted with the data of his heart rate and the speed reached at this sub-maximal intensity test.  In team sports, the TIVRE test (basketball and football) could be an example of this indirect methods, where laps run and heart rate are the determinants to evaluate the specific endurance of each player.

Indirect test are less precise than those determined in a direct proof. Nonetheless they’re perfectly adequate as a guide of the athlete performance level. They are easier to do and less demanding according to gadgets and money.

In the following post, we’ll show you how to test your running level according to the speed reached in an incremental test, which’ll allow us to calculate the VO2max and the training zones.

References: 

Esteve Lanao J., Cejuela Anta R. Evaluación de la resistencia en los deportes cíclicos. Libro Deportes. 2010. 195 – 212

Gª Manso JM, Navarro F, Legido JC, Vitoria M. La resistencia desde la óptica de las ciencias aplicadas al entrenamiento deportivo. GRADAGYMNOS, 2006. Cap. 2.