Djilali Bedrani is a middle-distance runner specializing in the 3000m steeplechase. He is a multiple French champion, world military cross-country champion, and the 2024 European 3000m steeplechase vice-champion. In 2023, his strength and conditioning coach, Valentin Caudron, who has previously worked with Olympique de Marseille, Le Havre Athletic Club, and Getafe CF, utilized the Myocene device during Djilali’s preparation for the Diamond League, the French Championships, and the main goal of the season, the World Championships in Budapest.
A Strength and Conditioning coach’s objective is to optimize training loads to enhance an athlete’s capabilities. The Myocene device provides essential insights into an athlete’s freshness. This objective, quantified, and precise information is crucial for tailoring training loads according to the athlete’s fatigue levels.
“Supporting a high-level athlete is, above all, about helping them better understand themselves while educating and empowering them regarding their training, recovery, and performance,” said Valentin Caudron, strength and conditioning coach. “With the autonomy provided by Myocene’s quick and easy peripheral muscle fatigue measurements, Djilali could focus entirely on himself and his goals. This enhanced self-awareness, facilitated by a precise, reliable, and objective tool, serves as a powerful lever to optimize performance.”
To optimize Djilali’s training load, Valentin conducted longitudinal monitoring using Myocene to assess recovery and fatigue levels. Before each training day, a fatigue index measurement was taken with Myocene. Variations in the Powerdex (the fatigue index measured by Myocene), indicating peripheral fatigue levels, depend on factors such as training intensity, volume, type (strength, plyometrics, endurance), and the athlete’s conditioning level, which influences fatigue resistance. The more accustomed an athlete is to a specific training type, the greater their fatigue resistance.
In addition to Myocene, two performance tests were conducted: the Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) and Squat Jump (SJ). According to Valentin, these tests assess the athlete’s “readiness.” CMJ and SJ tests reflect various aspects of an athlete’s condition, such as neuromuscular efficiency, overall functional capacity, and even motivation levels. These indicators can vary and may be influenced by factors like motivation and technique.
“Using Myocene is very intuitive, and the device stands out for its remarkable sensitivity in measuring fatigue indices, whether for endurance or strength training. It also allows for comparison between legs, which is essential for my discipline, the 3000m steeplechase, or in case of injury,” explains Djilali Bedrani. “With Myocene, anticipating fatigue is possible. As we constantly train at our limits, the precision and sensitivity of this tool prevent us from crossing that threshold, as excessive fatigue could significantly hinder performance.”
Training Load Programming Combining Myocene Fatigue Index Variations and Performance Tests (CMJ and SJ)
Valentin categorized Powerdex declines based on Djilali’s specific profile. Greater drops from the baseline (resting fatigue index without muscle fatigue) indicate more significant muscle fatigue. In the example below, three categories are defined by color, specific to the athlete:
Green: up to -5 points of Powerdex from baseline → no or very low fatigue
Orange: -5 to -10 points of Powerdex from baseline → moderate to high fatigue
Red: more than -10 points of Powerdex from baseline → very high/excessive fatigue
Similarly, athlete “readiness” is classified based on percentage variations in performance tests (CMJ and SJ):
Green → available/ready
Orange → moderately available/ready
Red → not available/ready
Practical Application
Green indicators: low or no fatigue and good readiness before a training session suggest the athlete can handle the planned load → proceed with loading session.
Orange indicators: moderate to high fatigue and average readiness warrant caution and attentiveness to athlete feedback Red indicators: high fatigue and low readiness necessitate reducing intensity and volume, or even rescheduling the session, as the athlete isn’t prepared to train.
However, it’s not always straightforward. As mentioned, Myocene’s fatigue index and performance tests assess different components of internal load. Myocene specifically measures peripheral muscle fatigue and the measurement is 100% objective. Performance tests reflect other aspects of fitness and are influenced by various factors, sometimes showing variations independent of training load. Valentin used these markers in detail to inform decisions during Djilali’s conditioning sessions (strength, plyometrics, etc.):
- Low or no muscle fatigue (green) with moderate readiness (orange): adjust volume accordingly.
- High fatigue (orange) with good readiness (green): reduce intensity, as high intensity impacts peripheral fatigue; adjust to prevent exacerbating existing fatigue.
- Moderate fatigue (orange) with low readiness (red): control and adjust training load based on athlete feedback; while peripheral fatigue may be manageable, overall strain could be excessive.
- High peripheral fatigue (red) with low readiness (red): both markers align; postpone the session to avoid injury and overtraining, as the athlete isn’t ready to train.
Conclusion
This case study highlights the importance of having a 100% objective peripheral fatigue marker. When used alongside other markers, each should be weighted appropriately, with greater emphasis on Powerdex due to its objectivity in reflecting muscle fatigue—a critical factor in preventing overtraining and injuries. Performance tests, influenced by factors like motivation and technique, are also valuable but, as shown, aren’t solely sufficient for optimal training load adjustments.