CHARACTERIZATION OF THE HEART-RATE RESPONSE DURING BIATHLON

Continuous heart rate recordings were obtained on elite American biathletes during competitions to provide a better understanding of the physiological demands of biathlon and the strategies used in approaching the shooting range. The findings demonstrate that the average heart rate during skiing was approximately 90 % of maximum heart rate. Heart rates decreased 10-12bpm over a time period of approximately 50-60 sec during the approach to the firing line. At arrival to the firing line, heart rates were similar for prone and standing shooting averaging 85-87% of maximum heart rate. Mean minimum heart rates while at the firing line dropped to 61-73 % of maximum heart rate and averaged approximately 20 bpm lower for prone shooting. The lower minimum heart rates during prone shooting were accounted for by the biathletes spending a longer time at the firing line and having a more rapid decrease in heart rate while in the prone position.