Exercise Physiology for Multisport Athletes
Domain 2: Exercise Physiology for Multisport Athletes tests how you apply VO2max, lactate threshold, economy, and energy-system interplay to three sports. The exam expects you to interpret test data and set training zones without confusing laboratory values with race pace.
Core rules and concepts
- VO2max sets the aerobic ceiling; lactate threshold and economy largely determine sustainable race pace.
- Functional threshold power (FTP) approximates 60-minute cycling power. A common field estimate is 20-minute power × 0.95.
- Run threshold pace is roughly 60-minute race pace. Critical swim speed (CSS) estimates sustainable swim threshold from two time trials.
- Energy systems: ATP-PC covers starts and surges; glycolysis supports tempo work; oxidative metabolism dominates endurance racing. Triathlon is predominantly aerobic, but surges, transitions, and mass starts recruit anaerobic capacity.
- Heart rate lags behind changes in intensity and drifts with heat, caffeine, and dehydration. Use power, pace, and RPE alongside HR.
- Economy is sport-specific: swim catch, bike position, and run mechanics all affect oxygen cost.
Worked example
A cyclist’s best 20-minute power is 260 W. Estimated FTP = 260 × 0.95 = 247 W. Zone 2 at 56–75% FTP is about 138–185 W. If he trains at 220 W and calls it easy, he is actually in tempo and may compromise recovery. The reasoning: percentages must be applied to FTP, not to the 20-minute test result.
Traps that cost marks
Using 220 minus age for max HR; applying cycling zones to running; treating CSS as a 400 m time; ignoring heart-rate drift; assuming VO2max alone predicts race performance.
Key points
- FTP ≈ 60-minute power; 20-minute test × 0.95.
- Run threshold ≈ 60-minute race pace.
- CSS estimates sustainable swim pace.
- Heart rate lags and drifts; use it with power, pace, and RPE.
- Economy is sport-specific.