9.6 - methods of activity analysis : work to rest ratios

What is a work-to-rest ratio

• A comparison of the total time spent exercising against the total time spent resting, expressed in its simplest form

What can work-to-rest ratios help identify

• Major energy system contributions based on intensity and duration of effort and rest

How can work-to-rest ratio data be used

• To determine specific work and rest intervals for training

• To identify which energy systems to train (e.g., aerobic or anaerobic)

How can work-to-rest ratio data be collected

• Through digital or direct observation

• Manually using two stopwatches (one for work, one for rest)

• By classifying movement intensity (e.g., walking = rest; running = work)

• Using a heart rate monitor to express intensity as % of max heart rate

What specific data should be recorded when analysing work and rest periods

• Total work time and total rest time

• Average work and rest times

• Longest work and rest times

• The work-to-rest ratio

What is a limitation of using work-to-rest ratios in activity analysis

• It can be time-consuming and difficult to collect and analyse without computer software