Optimising performance of the elite athlete 🏆
Training, nutrition, female athletes, load management and new tech.
Consensus Statements-Optimizing Performance of the Elite Athlete
Study Details
This new review paper was derived from the International Consensus Conference "Optimising Performance of the Elite Athlete" 🎤
Including scientists, coaches and athletes to establish evidence-based consensus statements aimed at enhancing elite athletic performance and health 📝
Here are the 19 key recommendations ⬇️
Key Findings
TRAINING STRATEGIES TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE 🚴♂️
⚡️ Combine high-volume moderate-intensity work with heavy/severe intervals above race pace
💪 Train and fuel to build physiological resilience
🏃♂️ Include resistance, speed, and plyometric work; tailor to the athlete
NUTRITION STRATEGIES FOR PERFORMANCE AUGMENTATION IN ATHLETES 🍽️
🥗 Work with a qualified nutrition professional to create individualised, context-specific plans; avoid LEA
💧 Match energy, carb, and fluid intake to session and competition demands
⚖️ Use sport-specific, team-supported weight management strategies
💊 Assess need and risks before supplements; use evidence-based, safe options
🧪 Use proven nutrition strategies, refining via individual trial-and-error
THE FEMALE ATHLETE 🏅
📊 Use validated, objective methods for menstrual cycle tracking
🩺 Address menstrual symptoms individually with medical and coaching input
💬 Base hormonal contraceptive use on medical needs, not performance aims
🩸 Test iron status yearly and communicate factors affecting it
⚠️ Monitor and act on signs of problematic LEA
LOAD, INJURIES AND RETURN-TO-COMPETITION 🩼
📋 Implement national injury registries for early detection and intervention
🦵 Reduce load early in tendon overuse injuries
🦶 Prevent Achilles tendon elongation during early rehab
🤝 Make return-to-sport a shared, multi-assessment decision
NEW TECHNOLOGIES 🧬
🧬 Collect and analyse accessible bio-samples to find performance and health biomarkers
📡 Use emerging tech to personalise training and nutrition, recognising early-stage evidence
Conclusion
Whilst many gaps and research opportunities were identified…
…this consensus provides a practical, scientifically grounded framework to optimise elite athlete performance and health ✅
Reference
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40781883/
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