When it comes to evaluating athletes, set durations or distances are common tests. These require the athlete to complete a distance in as short as time possible, or go the farthest within a set time frame. Tests typically serve as good benchmarks because the results can be compared across groups against normative data. This data can inform future actions coaches and athletes may take to improve test performance. But is it enough? Power profiles paint a clear picture of ability in my opinion.
The human body is an amazing piece of work with many intricate systems. When it comes to testing the body, there are many types of tests that can be done. Exercise tests are like windows in a house - the more you do the more you can see. A limitation of only one test (like a set distance as fast as possible) is that it only gives us a snap-shot into the body's capacity to perform. When multiple tests are used more insights are gained into its intricate systems and traits that the body uses to perform e.g. strength and power discussed previously.
A common test battery used across multiple field based sports and endurance sports is a power profile test. In rowing, for example, a rower is tested on set distances (100m, 500m, 2000m, and 6000m) which they complete as fast as possible. Each distance challenges the athlete by way of testing how much power they can produce over to 100m compared to their endurance capacity over 6k. From each test distance we gather the average power output in Watts and plot it on a graph to display the power profile. Figure 1 shows an example of a rower power profile.
Compared to the team, this power profile shows the rower is way ahead of the team average. Changes could be made to programming if power was low at 100 and 500m distances or vis versa at 2k and 6k. The power profile shows us where the athlete is weak providing the opportunity to overcome these weaknesses. If you need help tackling your weaknesses in your sport, get in touch here, our check out my programming and athlete monitoring page for more insights on how my online programs can help you.