International journal of sports physiology and performance最新文献

{"title":"Cross-Sectional Body Composition Analysis in Distinct Union Cycliste Internationale Categories of Male Road Cyclists: A Multimodal Approach.","authors":"Andrea Giorgi, Francesco Campa, Catarina N Matias, Borja Martinez-Gonzalez, Martino V Franchi","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0637","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0637","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Body composition is a key determinant of performance in road cycling. However, field-based, multimodal analyses of body composition across different competitive age categories are lacking. This study aimed to investigate body composition and performance metrics using portable assessment tools in Junior, Under-23, and Professional categories of male road cyclists of the Union Cycliste Internationale.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this observational cross-sectional study, 62 male road cyclists underwent body composition assessment via bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and B-mode ultrasonography to evaluate subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) thickness and thigh muscle architecture. Field-based performance parameters, critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (W'), were derived from power meter data collected over 60 days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Professional cyclists exhibited significantly lower SAT thickness at several limb sites with higher impedance vector length (Z/h), indicating reduced total body water compared with Junior cyclists. No significant differences in muscle architecture were observed across categories. Professional cyclists demonstrated superior absolute and relative CP and W'. Across all cyclists, lower SAT thickness and phase angle, and higher Z/h, were associated with better endurance performance. Muscle thickness and architecture of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris were positively associated with W' and absolute CP.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Higher-level cyclists exhibit a body composition profile characterized by lower SAT and reduced total body water, which correlates with performance indexes. The combined use of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and ultrasonography provides a practical, field-based approach for monitoring body composition in road cyclists, supporting tailored training and nutritional strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147856239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Association Between National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index Subscales, Training-Induced Fatigue, and Physiological Responses in Endurance Athletes.","authors":"Mattia D'Alleva, Asia Patini, Luca Filipas, Andrea Nicolò, Jeffrey A Rothschild, Maria De Martino, Lara Mari, Enrico Rejc, Simone Zaccaron, Jacopo Stafuzza, Ed Maunder, Massimo Sacchetti, Stefano Lazzer","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0506","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Traditional training metrics do not distinguish between the different components of internal training load contributing to training-induced fatigue, whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) may offer a compelling multidimensional alternative. However, the NASA-TLX subscales have been overlooked in the context of endurance training. Therefore, this study investigated whether the NASA-TLX subscales are associated with acute performance decrement (APD) and physiological responses across different endurance training sessions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve well-trained runners (10 males, 2 females; age 26.8 [6.9] y; maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] 65.6 [6.4] mL·kg-1·min-1) completed 6 visits in the laboratory, an incremental test, a time to exhaustion (TTE) test, and 4 experimental training sessions in randomized order. A TTE test was performed at baseline and after each of 4 exercise sessions: low-intensity training, medium-intensity training, long-interval high-intensity (HITlong), and short-interval high-intensity (HITshort). APD was calculated as the percentage drop in TTE compared to baseline. The NASA-TLX questionnaire was administered between each training session and the TTE test to assess mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, effort, frustration, and perceived performance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All sessions led to significant APD (P = .041), with HITlong producing greater APD than low-intensity training (P = .035). Subscale analysis showed lower mental, physical, temporal, and effort scores after low-intensity training compared to HIT sessions (P < .001). All subscales were significantly correlated with APD and key physiological ventilatory and metabolic parameters (P < .001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>NASA-TLX subscales appear valid and may help athletes to discriminate distinct components of perceived workload.</p>","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147856310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Critical Power Model Parameters Reflect Distinct Aerobic and Mechanical Performance Characteristics in Male Track-and-Field Athletes.","authors":"Ryoya Oga, Seiya Fujita, Tomoya Kadi, Hiroyuki Tamaki, Futoshi Ogita","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0688","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0688","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The critical power (CP) model is widely used to evaluate high-intensity exercise tolerance; however, the performance characteristics reflected by its parameters may differ across athletes with diverse physiological and neuromuscular profiles. This study examined how CP-model parameters relate to aerobic power, indices of anaerobic performance, and nonoxidative energy contribution in male track-and-field athletes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty male track-and-field athletes completed assessments of maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), CP and the curvature constant (W'), maximal accumulated oxygen deficit, maximal anaerobic power, and a 30-second Wingate test. Body composition variables were assessed using high-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Associations between CP-model parameters and performance indices were examined using correlation analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CP was significantly and positively correlated with V˙O2max (r = .64, P = .002) and negatively correlated with several mechanical indices of anaerobic performance. In contrast, W' was positively associated with mechanically expressed anaerobic performance, including maximal anaerobic power and Wingate-derived peak and mean power (r = .73-.75, P < .001), as well as body composition variables. No statistically significant association was observed between W' and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings indicate that CP and W' reflect distinct aerobic and mechanical performance characteristics, with CP primarily reflecting aerobic power and W' representing a mechanically expressed work reserve rather than a purely metabolic index of nonoxidative energy contribution. This distinction highlights the complementary roles of CP-model parameters in performance evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147856219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Durability in Trail Running: Coupled Physiological and Biomechanical Responses to Prolonged Submaximal and Repeated Uphill Time Trials in Trained Trail Runners.","authors":"Diego Jaén-Carrillo, Christina D Bruce, Coralie Gobbo, Connor Howe, Justin S Lawley","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0607","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0607","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study examined the durability of physiological and biomechanical responses in trained trail runners during prolonged submaximal running combined with repeated uphill efforts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-three trail runners (11 females) completed a 180-minute treadmill run at 85% of the speed associated with their lactate threshold +0.5 mmol·L-1 (ie, steady state). Every 60 minutes, participants performed a 12-minute uphill time trial (+12%). Physiological variables (oxygen uptake [V˙O2], respiratory exchange ratio [RER], blood lactate [BLa], substrate oxidation, heart rate, and perceived exertion) and gait parameters (stride length, cadence, ground contact time, duty factor, vertical oscillation, and leg stiffness) were continuously recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>By the end of steady-state running, heart rate and perceived exertion increased (P < .001), whereas V˙O2, BLa, and energy cost remained stable. Carbohydrate oxidation decreased (P < .001), while fat oxidation increased (P < .001). Across uphill time trials, distance (-6.6%, P < .001) and stride length declined, while ground contact time and duty factor increased; RER and BLa decreased (both P < .001), indicating a progressive metabolic shift toward greater fat reliance. Despite these changes, oxygen cost and leg stiffness were preserved.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Prolonged submaximal and repeated uphill running induced small but coordinated physiological and mechanical drifts without compromising overall energetic cost. These findings reveal high durability in trained trail runners, reflected in their ability to preserve biomechanical stability and running efficiency despite increasing perceived fatigue.</p>","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Durability of International and National Junior and U23 Triathletes: A Simulated Stochastic Sprint Triathlon Cycle Elicits Significant Declines in Running Physiology and Performance Indices.","authors":"Jamie O Langley, Marcos Knight, William Bloom, Harry O'Brien","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0469","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0469","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study assessed the physiological durability of International and National, Junior and U23 triathletes following a simulated sprint-triathlon cycle.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eight male International and National Junior and U23 triathletes (aged: 20.3 [1.5] y, V˙O2peak: 66.0 [3.9] mL·kg-1·min-1, 4.56 [0.24] L·min-1) attended the laboratory on 3 occasions. Visit 1 comprised an incremental ramp test and time to task failure to establish running V˙O2peak, gas exchange threshold (GET), respiratory compensatory point (RCP), and associated velocities. Visit 2 determined cycling V˙O2peak, GET, RCP, and associated power during an incremental ramp protocol and a 10-second all-out sprint. Visit 3 consisted of a stochastic simulated sprint triathlon cycling protocol varying between power outputs associated with 50% Δ V˙O2peak and 10-second mean maximal power, 110% RCP, and 110% GET, prior to transitioning to the treadmill replicating visit 1 to determine \"fatigued\" running physiology and time to task failure (TTF).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant changes in: V˙O2peak (mL·kg-1·min-1) (P = .006, d = -1.206 [-0.254, -2.112]), vV˙O2peak (km·h-1) (P = .008, d = -1.110 [-0.190, -1.985]), GET expressed as a percentage of V˙O2peak (P = .022, d = 0.866 [0.021, 1.668), V˙O2 at RCP (mL·kg-1·min-1) (P = .020, d = -0.894 [-0.042, -1.704]), vRCP (km·h-1) (P = .041, d = -0.717 [-0.87-1.482]), and TTF (in seconds) (P = .022, d = -0.866 [-0.21, -1.668]) were observed in a fatigued state.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A simulated sprint-triathlon cycle elicits significant declines in Junior and U23 triathletes running physiology and performance indices. Substantial interindividual responses across physiological variables highlights the necessity for durability profiling within sprint-distance triathletes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Most Demanding Match Periods in Youth Male Soccer: Analysis by Age Groups and Playing Position.","authors":"Ricardo Pimenta, Juliano Pires, José Afonso, João L Mesquita, Fábio Y Nakamura","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0594","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0594","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To quantify and compare most demanding periods (MDPs) of match play in soccer for total distance, high-speed running distance, and sprint distance across 1-, 3-, and 5-minute periods, examining both positional differences and age groups (under 17, under 19, and under 23) in youth male soccer players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty-eight outfield players from the same professional academy (under 17: n = 24, under 19: n = 23, and under 23: n = 21) competing in top national divisions were monitored over 50 official matches using 10-Hz global navigation satellite system units (Catapult Vector S7). MDPs were identified using the rolling average method for each period. Linear mixed models compared MDPs among positions and age groups, with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc tests and effect sizes (Cohen's d).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No differences were observed between age groups for any metric or period length (P > .05). However, positional differences were found. Center backs consistently exhibited the lowest values across all metrics (P < .05; d = 1.18-2.72), while midfielders showed similar sprint distance values to center backs. Strikers and wingers presented the highest sprint distance MDPs, whereas midfielders and strikers recorded the highest total distance MDPs. Shorter time windows produced higher relative values (in meters per minute) across all metrics.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>From under 17 onward, highly trained male youth players displayed comparable external load demands during the MDPs of match play, irrespective of age group. Conversely, MDPs were strongly position-dependent, reflecting distinct tactical and physical demands. These findings reinforce the importance of position-specific training while ensuring all players are prepared to cope with atypical high-intensity demands during match play.</p>","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chronic Effects of Sprint Training With and Without Weighted Vests on Linear and Change of Direction Sprint Performance in Youth Baseball Players.","authors":"Dariel Pérez Begambre, Jhean Carlos Marsiglia Pérez, Janderson Cano Arango, Samuel Jose Gaviria-Alzate, Wilder Geovanny Valencia-Sánchez","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0471","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0471","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Sprint training is essential to enhance performance in baseball. This study examined the effects of sprint training with and without a weighted vest on 27-m (30-yd) and 55-m (60-yd) linear and 55-m (60-yd) change-of-direction sprint performance in youth baseball players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted an open-label, 2-arm parallel group randomized trial with preintervention and postintervention assessments. Thirty-eight male youth baseball players (13.4 [0.5] y) were randomly assigned to a control group or an experimental group (n = 19 each). Both groups completed a 4-week (12-session) sprint training program. The experimental group trained wearing a vest equivalent to 10% of body mass, whereas the control group trained unloaded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant group × time interaction was observed for any sprint outcome (27-m: P = .174, r = .22, 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.45; 55-m: P = .169, r = .23, 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.45; 55-m change of direction: P = .132, r = .25, 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.45). However, all participants improved sprint performance following the intervention, with percentage changes of -1.18% to -1.68% for the 27-m sprint (95% CI, -2.83 to -0.10%), -1.00% to -1.18% for the 55-m sprint (95% CI, -1.82 to -0.31%), and -0.94% to -1.08% for the 55-m change-of-direction sprint (95% CI, -1.62 to -0.28%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Under the conditions of a 4-week intervention using a weighted-vest equivalent to 10% of body mass, weighted-vest sprint training did not produce superior improvements compared with unloaded sprint training in youth baseball players.</p>","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Appearance Pressure, Body Image, and Nutrition Practices in Youth Athletes: Implications for Performance.","authors":"Christine Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn Sundgot-Borgen, Therese Fostervold Mathisen","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0687","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0687","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microdosing of Flywheel Training: Effects of Low Versus High Training Frequency on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Power.","authors":"Sergio Maroto-Izquierdo, Marina Gómez, Susana López-Ortiz, Fernando Martin-Rivera, Masatoshi Nakamura, Oliver Gonzalo-Skok","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0582","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0582","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study compared the effects of low-frequency flywheel resistance training (FRT, 1 session/week) and microdosing FRT (5 sessions/week) on muscle architecture, strength, and vertical jump performance in active individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty participants were randomized into a microdosing group (MDG, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 15). Both groups completed equalized weekly training volumes (30 sets over 6 wk) using a flywheel leg press. The MDG performed one set daily, whereas the CG performed 5 sets once weekly. Vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscle thickness, vastus lateralis fascicle length and angle, maximal voluntary isometric contraction in the half-squat exercise, countermovement and drop jump performance, rating of perceived exertion, and delayed-onset muscle soreness were assessed preintervention and postintervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MDG showed significant (P < .001) increases in muscle thickness (vastus lateralis: 9.8%, 0.21 cm, effect size [ES] = 0.41; and rectus femoris: 7.9%, 0.18 cm, ES = 0.34), fascicle length (11.8%, 0.96 cm, ES = 0.81), and fascicle angle (14.2%, 2.29°, ES = 1.16), drop jump RSI (24.4%, ES = 0.97), and drop jump take-off velocity (5.7%, ES = 0.27) while CG showed no significant changes. Both groups showed improved maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MDG: 27.4%, ES = 0.72; CG: 18.6%; ES = 0.48), countermovement height (MDG, 7.7%, ES = 0.34; CG: 5.9%, ES = 0.17), and countermovement mRSI (MDG, 32.1%, ES = 0.98; CG: 34.0%, ES = 0.60) with no intergroup differences. However, MDG reported significantly (P < .001) lower rating of perceived exertion and delayed-onset muscle soreness scores throughout the intervention.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>FRT microdosing improved muscle architecture, while strength and power gains were similar to low-frequency FRT. Importantly, microdosing reduced fatigue and soreness, offering a practical alternative during competitive congested schedules or in rehabilitation settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Running Power Analysis of a World Champion: A Case Study From the Spanish Vertical, European Ultra, and World Trail Championships.","authors":"Juan Rodríguez-Medina, Jose A Rodríguez-Marroyo","doi":"10.1123/ijspp.2025-0561","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0561","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to describe the running power profile and intensity distribution of a world-class mountain runner across 3 competition formats differing in race duration and elevation gain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A male world champion was monitored during 3 official championship races: Spanish Vertical Championship (VR; 2.4 km, +929 m), World Sky Championship (SR; 38 km, ±2,750 m), and European SkyUltra Championship (SUR; 62 km, ±3,550 m). Running power was recorded at 1 Hz using a Stryd footpod. Maximal mean power output was calculated for durations from 1 second to 480 minutes, and the time spent within predefined power zones and critical power-based intensity domains was quantified. Comparisons with previously published subelite reference data were expressed as standardized Z-scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Exercise intensity declined with increasing race duration, with higher mean power (5.1 W·kg-1) and greater relative time >4 W·kg-1 (44.9%) in the VR compared with SR (3.3 W·kg-1, 6.2%) and SUR (2.8 W·kg-1, 2.1%). The athlete showed very large maximal mean power output deviations (Z >+2) in the VR compared with subelite reference data, moderate differences in the SR, and small advantages for efforts ≤20 minutes in the SUR. Most race time was spent within 4 to 6, 3 to 5, and 2 to 4 W·kg-1 in the VR, SR, and SUR, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>World-class mountain running performance is characterized by superior power maintenance capacity and extended time at high relative intensities compared with subelite runners. Running power analysis can support the characterization of competition demands and individualized training prescription in mountain running.</p>","PeriodicalId":14295,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports physiology and performance","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147815374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}