Preparation for the Russian Winter Olympics 2014
A specialised scientific laboratory was set up by the Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy of the Russian Federation in order to help Russian athletes prepare for the Winter Olympic games 2014 in Sochi.
The Sochi Olympic athletes testing laboratory
Top Russian athletes, candidates for National Olympic teams 2014, undergo advanced testing in the laboratory on a regular basis. The laboratory is located in close proximity to Sochi Olympic facilities. It is divided into four sections specifically designed for strength, biomechanics, physiology and coordination abilities testing as well as anthropometric examination.
The laboratory is fully equipped with advanced state-of-art equipment for 3D data collection and analysis providing means for evaluating physical condition of top class athletes. The 12 Oqus cameras can be split in two separate systems that can be easily relocated and used on various sport competition sites both indoors and outdoors.
Sport biomechanics and physiology testing
Researchers and coaches are collaborating to develop specific test programs for cyclic sports and complex coordination sports, such as freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The technology of advanced testing includes biomechanical analysis of athletes’ movements in different sports, estimation of work capacity and efficiency, calculation of optimal training loads in the most appropriate velocity range and with proper joint angles. This data is later used for revision and adjustment of training plans for development of essential motor qualities.
The work in the laboratory is based on complex estimation of the athlete’s condition including its biomechanical, physiological and biochemical aspects. Providing coaches with full information about current athletes’ condition will help them to better prepare for successful performance at the Olympics 2014.
Prof. Mikhail Shestakov
In the media
Russian tv channel Rossiya 1 covers Russian freestyle Olympic team testing in the Sochi Federal Training Sport Center.
The head coach explains how data collected at the facility gives valuable insights into how to develop a new and improved training program for the Olympic team.
Read more (in Russian).