This research is the result of a convention between the Everest Vitesse Association and the University of Trento. The main collaborators are Prof. Federico Schena, head of the Inter-University Center of Bioengineering and Motory Science Research (CEBISM). Both work with the National Cross Country Ski Team and the objective of this study is to experiment methods that can be put to future use by the team.
OBJECTIVE: verify whether the use of specific training aimed at mentally handling fatigue and stress DURING and AFTER prolonged exertion and to other stressful factors, emotional as well as environmental, significantly influences the performance. The training makes use of the individual's emotional and cognitive stimuli and enhances:
1. his level of endurance, that is , psychological resistance.
2. his capacity for recovery from stress, measured in physiological terms. It is, in fact, proven that there exists a correlation between endurance and physiological functioning.
METHOD: the subjects are placed under psychophysical stress (20 minutes on the stationary bike at fractions that differ from their Maximum Oxygen Consumption) at different altitudes. Immediately before and, at certain time intervals, after the test some physiological readings that are of interest for their correlation with stress are measured by means of a PortaPress. This highly sophisticated device is able to measure the heart's pumping capacity, systolic and diastolic pressure, peripherical resistance and the heartbeat's R-R variability.
The parameters relative to the emotional state and cognitive functioning are also measured.
Photograph: from the left, Cesa, Bastrentaz, Brunod, Trabucchi, Prof. Schena and Carrelat at the CEBISM of Rovereto during the signing of the Convention.
