Stephen Seiler

University of Agder | UIA · Department of Sport Science and Physical Education

Purpose: Investigate development of specific performance adaptions and hormonal responses every 4 week during a 12-week HIT period in groups with different interval-training prescriptions. Methods: Sixty-three well-trained cyclists performing a 12-week intervention consisting of 2-3 HIT sessionsweek in addition to ad libitum low intensity traini...

This is an invited lecture that proposes a prioritization hierarchy of endurance training measures and focus, based on numerous sources of data, both descriptive and experimental.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of three different high-intensity training (HIT) models, balanced for total load but differing in training plan progression, on endurance adaptations. Methods: Sixty-three cyclists (peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) 61.3 ± 5.8 mL·kg·min) were randomized to three training groups and instructed to follo...

Purpose: To describe training variations across the annual cycle in Olympic and World Champion endurance athletes, and determine whether these athletes used tapering strategies in line with recommendations in the literature. Methods: Eleven elite XC skiers and biathletes (4 male; 28±1 yr, 85±5 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1) VO2max, 7 female, 25±4 yr, 73±...

To compare the effects of three 7-week interval training programs varying in work period duration but matched for effort in trained recreational cyclists. Thirty-five cyclists (29 male, 6 female, VO(2peak) 52 ± 6 mL kg/min) were randomized to four training groups with equivalent training the previous 2 months (∼6 h/wk, ∼1.5 int. session/wk). Low on...

Exercise training requires the careful application of training dose to maximize adaptation while minimizing the risk of illness and injury. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a potent method for improving health and fitness but generates substantial autonomic imbalance. Assuming a supine posture between intervals is a novel strategy that co...

Purpose Research on intermittent training has mainly focused on the effects of exercise intensity while overlooking the specific impact of the modulations associated with alternating exercise and recovery. This study investigated how the frequency of modulations during moderate-intensity exercise affects post-exercise vagal reactivation. Methods He...

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) prescriptions manipulate intensity, duration, and recovery variables in multiple combinations. Researchers often compare different HIIT variable combinations and treat HIIT prescription as a “maximization problem”, seeking to identify the prescription(s) that induce the largest acute VO2/HR/RPE response. Howe...

Background Our scientific understanding of the mechanistic and practical connections between training session prescriptions, their execution by athletes, and adaptations over time in elite endurance sports remains limited. These connections are fundamental to the art and science of coaching. Objective By using successful Norwegian endurance coache...

Background A typical training plan is a mix of many training sessions with different intensities and durations to achieve a specific goal, like running a marathon in a certain time. Scientific publications provide little specific information to aid in writing a comprehensive training plan. This review aims to systematically and quantitatively analy...

The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between changes in training practices and human development index (HDI) levels, and identify strategies employed by athletes who consistently maintained their training quantity during the first 100 days of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 10,074 athletes (5290 amateur and 4787 professional ath...

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare provides new possibilities for personalized health management. AI-based fitness applications are becoming more common, facilitating the opportunity for individualised exercise prescription. However, the use of AI carries the risk of inadequate expert supervision, and the efficacy a...

Background To improve sport performance, athletes use training regimens that include exercise below and above the maxi- mal metabolic steady state (MMSS). Objective The objective of this review was to determine the additional effect of training above MMSS on VO2peak, Wpeak and time-trial (TT) performance in endurance-trained athletes. Methods Stu...

Background: Elite sport is continuously evolving. World records keep falling and athletes from a longer list of countries are involved. Purpose: This commentary was designed to provide insights into present and future trends associated with world-class endurance training based on the perspectives, experience, and knowledge of an expert panel of...

A typical training plan is a mix of many training sessions with different intensities and durations to achieve a specific goal, like running a marathon in a certain time. Scientific publications provide little specific information to aid in writing a comprehensive training plan. This review aims to systematically and quantitatively analyse publishe...

Unlabelled: A well-planned periodized approach endeavors to allow road cyclists to achieve peak performance when their most important competitions are held. Purpose: To identify the main characteristics of periodization models and physiological parameters of trained road cyclists as described by discernable training intensity distribution (TID),...

Purpose: To investigate differences in athletes' knowledge, beliefs, and training practices during COVID-19 lockdowns with reference to sport classification and sex. This work extends an initial descriptive evaluation focusing on athlete classification. Methods: Athletes (12,526; 66% male; 142 countries) completed an online survey (May-July 2020...

Purpose: To investigate differences in athletes' knowledge, beliefs, and training practices during COVID-19 lockdowns with reference to sport classification and sex. This work extends an initial descriptive evaluation focusing on athlete classification. Methods: Athletes (12,526; 66% male; 142 countries) completed an online survey (May-July 2020) a...

Introduction Arrhythmias also occur among elite endurance athletes. Conventional diagnostic tools for assessment of arrhythmias suffer from limited availability and usability challenges, particularly under the demanding training conditions of an elite athlete. Among endurance athletes, there is a need for out-of-hospital monitoring to enhance detec...

In this review we integrate the scientific literature and results-proven practice and outline a novel framework for understanding the training and development of elite long-distance performance. Herein, we describe how fundamental training characteristics and well-known training principles are applied. World-leading track runners (i.e., 5000 and 10...

The symptom similarities between training-overload (with or without an Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) diagnosis) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) are significant, with both initiating from a hypothalamic–pituitary origin, that can be influenced by low carbohydrate (CHO) and energy availability (EA). In this narrative review we wish to s...

Objectives: Explore training-related knowledge, beliefs and practices of athletes and the influence of COVID-19-related lockdowns. Methods: Athletes [n = 12,526 classified: world-class (13%), international (21%), national (36%), state (24%), and recreational (6%)] completed an online survey (50 d; 17th May to 5th July 2020) exploring their trainin...

Despite an increasing amount of research devoted to middle-distance training (herein the 800 and 1500 m events), information regarding the training methodologies of world-class runners is limited. Therefore, the objective of this review was to integrate scientific and best practice literature and outline a novel framework for understanding the trai...

Profiling physiological attributes is an important role for applied exercise physiologists working with endurance athletes. These attributes are typically assessed in well-rested athletes. However, as has been demonstrated in the literature and supported by field data presented here, the attributes measured during routine physiological-profiling as...

This is data scraped from the public UCI Pro Stats website and reorganized. This file provides raw data for the age of athletes under contract with the 19 Work Tour level professional cycling teams in 2020. Data is divided by team for comparisons and aggregated as a single variable. Age data for top 50 riders by UCI points are also included.

This EXCEL workbook allows up to 7 inputs for the calculation of Critical Power and returns a table of W' segments (Work Above Redline) of the same % of calculated W' but differing in Power and Duration.

Purpose: To quantify possible differences in countermovement jump height across sport disciplines and sex in national-team athletes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 588 women (23 [5] y, 66 [8] kg) and 989 men (23 [5] y, 82 [12] kg) from 44 different sport disciplines (including 299 medalists from European Championships, World Championshi...

The purpose of this study was to quantify possible differences in sprint mechanical outputs in soccer according to soccer playing standard, position, age and sex. Sprint tests of 674 male and female players were analysed. Theoretical maximal velocity (v0), horizontal force (F0), horizontal power (Pmax), force-velocity slope (SFV), ratio of force (R...

Despite a voluminous body of research devoted to sprint training, our understanding of the training process leading to world-class sprint performance is limited. The objective of this review is to integrate scientific and best practice literature regarding the training and development of elite sprint performance. Sprint performance is heavily depen...

This is a clean data set derived from the IAAF.org performance database. All athletes in this dataset fulfilled the following criteria: 1) their performances were among the top 500 for the 5000m, 10000m, half-marathon, or marathon during 2) one or more seasons in the period 2014-2018 and 3) they had raced in all 4 distances during a single season....

This presentation briefly presents the filtering methods and analyses used to quantify the velocity relationship in elite distance runners competing across a 10-fold range in event duration (13-130min for men, 15 to 150 minutes for women).

Purpose: The main aim of this investigation was to quantify differences in sprint mechanical variables across sports and within each sport. Secondary aims were to quantify sex differences and relationships among the variables. Methods: In this cross-sectional study of elite athletes, 235 women (23 ± 5 y and 65 ± 7 kg) and 431 men (23 ± 4 y and 80 ±...

Purpose The main aim of this investigation was to quantify differences in sprint mechanical variables across sports and within each sport. Secondary aims were to quantify sex differences and relationships among the variables. Methods In this cross-sectional study of elite athletes, 235 women (23 ± 5 y and 65 ± 7 kg) and 431 men (23 ± 4 y and 80 ±...

This is a case example/working paper/ presentation building on discussions about the interaction between Anaerobic work capacity and Aerobic power during highly stochastic work periods. A practical approach to training quantification and progression is proposed

This was an interview text in response to interview questions posed by an endurance athlete.

Purpose: To quantify possible differences in sprint mechanical outputs in handball and basketball players according to playing standard and position. Methods: Sprint tests of 298 male players were analyzed. Theoretical maximal velocity (v0), horizontal force (F0), horizontal power (Pmax), force-velocity slope (SFV), ratio of force (RFmax), and i...

The present study investigated the effects of initial levels of cycling performance, peak oxygen uptake (O2peak) and gross efficiency (GE) on the subsequent adaptations of these variables and their relationship following high-intensity training (HIT) designed to increase O2peak in competitive cyclists. Sixty cyclists (O2peak = 61 ± 6 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹)...

This is an EXCEL data file with 4 worksheets: Background data for subject, description of testing conditions and verification, Heart rate response data with summary, and interpretation.

This is an Excel Workbook containing 1) a Critical Power calculator customized for Concept 2 rowing and ski ergo test data (specific power-velocity relationship), 2) 3 medium sized datasets extracted from the Concept 2 World rankings 2002-2018 and customized for teaching applications, and 3) cross-sectional data of all-time performers across distan...

This is an evaluation of the Norwegian Olympic Team performance written and provided on request to the Norwegian Olympia Committee in 2014, after the Sochi Winter Olympics. Critical to the evaluation was the desire by the NOC to contextualize the specific Norwegian results with general international developments.

This is a call for self-reported data from regularly training, healthy people who use the Concept 2 Rowing machine or Ski ergometer.

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of an individualized comprehensive lifestyle intervention in cancer patients undergoing curative or palliative chemotherapy. Material and methods: At one cancer center, serving a population of 180,000, 100 consecutive of 161 eligible newly diagnosed cancer patients starting curative or palli...

This is the 2nd presentation in a 4 part sequence given to endurance coaches in Vienna, Austria, October 7, 2017

This is the 3rd session in a 4-part sequence given to Austrian endurance coaches, October 7, 2017

This is session 1 of a 4 part sequence presented by invitation in Vienna Austra, October 7, 2017. Audience was Austrian coaches from a variety of endurance sports.

This is the 4th session in a 4 part-sequence of lectures given to Austrian endurance coaches in Vienna, Austria, October 7, 2017

This is power data generated from the Concept 2 Online rankings for rowing. Data is based on seasons 2016 and 2017. Times for each percentile have been converted to power using C2´s conversion algorithm. Relative power is based on the 5000m distance (which takes ca 20 min to complete) normalized to 100%. The 99th, 95th, 90th, 75th, and 50th percent...

Maximal aerobic and anaerobic power are crucial performance determinants in most sports disciplines. Numerous studies have published power data from elite athletes over the years, particularly in runners, cyclists, rowers and crosscountry skiers. In this invited review, we define the current " world records " in human upper limits of aerobic and an...

The purpose of this study was to compare physiological responses and perceived exertion among well trained cyclists (n=63) performing three different high intensity interval training (HIIT) prescriptions differing in work bout duration and accumulated duration, but all prescribed with maximal session effort. Data are presented as mean(Standard Devi...

Scientific discovery is about a search for the Truth, for the consistent and predictable in how the universe works. Using a particular method of inquiry, the scientific method, and with acknowledgement of the inherently self-correcting nature of science, scientific inquiry moves forward incrementally to ever closer approximations of the Truth. This...

This is an invited lecture that proposes a prioritization hierarchy of endurance training measures and focus, based on numerous sources of data, both descriptive and experimental.

Objective: The study aims were to investigate whether mindfulness predicts improved work ability after a multifactorial vocational rehabilitation program in Norway and to examine the mediating influence of mindfulness in the relationship between personal health factors and changes in work ability in response to the program. Methods: Seventy-four pa...

Background: The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-sf) is a validated questionnaire used to assess physical activity (PA) in healthy adults and commonly used in both apparently healthy adults and cancer patients. However, the IPAQ-sf has not been previously validated in cancer patients undergoing oncologic treatm...

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare responders and nonresponders in terms of work ability (WA) to a multidisciplinary vocational rehabilitation program (MVRP) in Norway. Methods: The WA of 74 participants was tested at baseline and in the final week of a 4–6-week intervention. The participants whose WA increased were defined as W...

Background The peaking period for endurance competition is characterized for a relative increase of the intensity of training, after a longer period of training relatively dominated by lower intensity and higher volume Objectives The present study was designed to compare physiological and 10 km performance effects of high intensity training (HIT)...

Background: Although carbohydrate is the predominant fuel source supporting high-intensity exercise workloads, the role of fat oxidation, and the degree to which it may be altered by training status, is less certain. Methods: We compared substrate oxidation rates, using indirect calorimetry, during a high-intensity interval training (HIT) session i...

Two aproaches for peaking at 10k road running races, Race Pace training vs High Intensity Training, showing how different physiological adaptations may lead to the same rate of improvement.

Objective: Knowledge about determinants of participation in lifestyle interventions in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, particularly with palliative intent, remains poor. The objective of the present study was to identify determinants of participating in a 12 month individualized, comprehensive lifestyle intervention, focusing on diet, phy...

Monitoring soccer players is important for evaluating individual and collective team behavior during training sessions and games, in addition to informing recovery strategies and load management. Modern micro-technology allows assessment of physical, technical and tactical performance parameters in " real-world " conditions. However, physical testi...

The aims of the present study were to compare the effects of 1) training at 90 and 100% sprint velocity and 2) supervised versus unsupervised sprint training on soccer-specific physical performance in junior soccer players. Young, male soccer players (17 ±1 yr, 71 ±10 kg, 180 ±6 cm) were randomly assigned to four different treatment conditions over...

A review of published studies monitoring sprint performance reveals considerable variation in start distance behind the initial timing gate. The aim of the present study was to generate correction factors across varying flying start distances used in sprint testing with photocells. Forty-four well-trained junior soccer players (age 18.2 ±1.0 yr, he...

Purpose: The aim of this study was to generate updated Olympic medal benchmarks for VO2max in winter endurance disciplines, examine possible differences in VO2max between medalists and non-medalists, and calculate gender difference in VO2max based on a homogeneous subset of world-leading endurance athletes. Methods: We identified 111 athletes wh...

One year of training data from 8 elite orienteers were divided into a transition phase (TP), general preparatory phase (GPP), specific preparatory phase (SPP), and competition phase (CP). Average weekly training volume and frequency, hours at different intensities (zones 1–3), cross-training, running, orienteering, interval training, continuous tra...

The aims of the present study were to compare the effects of 1) training at 90 and 100% sprint velocity and 2) supervised versus unsupervised sprint training on soccer-specific physical performance in junior soccer players. Young, male soccer players (17 +/-1 yr, 71 +/-10 kg, 180 +/-6 cm) were randomly assigned to four different treatment condition...

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of training at an intensity eliciting 90% of maximal sprinting speed on maximal and repeated-sprint performance in soccer. It was hypothesised that sprint training at 90% of maximal velocity would improve soccer-related sprinting. Twenty-two junior club-level male and female soccer players...

Aim. The purpose of this study was to quantify differences in anthropometrical and physical characteristics according to playing position and competitive level in male elite handball. Methods. 176 national team and 1st division players (age 23 ±4 yr, body mass 89 ±11 kg, body height 188 ±5 cm) participated in the study. All participants were tested...