A Study on the Physiological Profiles and Performance Characteristics of Modern Pentathletes

Modern pentathlon is characterized by the possible direct effects on performance of physical characteristics, fitness level, and record management and therefore, obtaining information about the fitness level and records can be an important factor in improving performance among athletes. To examine the specificity of anthropometrics, physiology, and performance among modern pentathlon athletes, it is necessary to examine and analyze many factors for performance and few researchers have measured or analyzed modern pentathletes. This study aimed to analyze anthropometric data of elite modern pentathalon athletes through a literature review and determine the physical characteristics for better performance, examine cardiorespiratory functions directly connected with the performance in sport shooting-running. The literature review found that maximal heart rate (HRmax) ranged from 184.10 bpm to 197.89 bpm, maximal voluntary ventilation (VEmax) from 151.7 L/min to 163.05 L/min, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) from 54.4 ml/kg/min to 75.97 ml/kg/min. For the anaerobic threshold (AT) level, oxygen uptake (VO2) ranged from 53.72 ml/kg/min (82.6% VO2max) to 63.65 ml/kg/min (84.4% VO2max), heart rate from 169 bpm to 182 bpm, and blood lactate concentration from 10.64 mM to 17.20 mM. Therefore, it is also necessary to develop an effective interval training method for improving anaerobic threshold, cardiorespiratory endurance, and lactate tolerance. Further research is needed to identify effective training for improving cardiorespiratory endurance, the AT level, and lactate tolerance rather than the physical characteristics.