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Yu Y, Li D, Lu Y, Mi J. Relationship between methods of monitoring training load and physiological indicators changes during 4 weeks cross-country skiing altitude training. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295960. [PMID: 38100499 PMCID: PMC10723660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to: (i) analyze the load characteristics of 4 weeks cross-country skiing altitude training; (ii) analyze the relationships between methods of monitoring training load and physiological indicators changes of elite male Chinese cross-country skiers during this period. Practitioners collected load data during 4 weeks of altitude training camp. Participants performed maximal oxygen uptake, lactate threshold, body composition, and skierg power test before and after the training camp to investigate the changes in physiological performance. Edwards TRIMP, Lucia TRIMP, and session rating of perceived exertion were collected as internal load. Training distance, time recorded by the Catapult module were collected as external load. The result revealed a " pyramid " pattern in the load characteristics during the altitude training camp. The correlation between luTRIMP and percent change in physiological indicators was highest. Percentage changes in lactate threshold velocity (r = .78 [95% CI -.01 to .98]), percentage changes in lactate threshold HR (r = .71 [95% CI .14- .99]), percentage changes in maximum HR (r = .83 [95% CI .19-1.00]), percentage changes in skierg power-to-weight ratio (r = .75 [95% CI -.28 to .98]) had very large relationships with luTRIMP. In cross-country skiing altitude training, training loads should be reasonably controlled to ensure that athletes do not become overly fatigued. Methods of training load monitoring that combine with athletes' physiological characteristics and program characteristics have the highest dose-response relationships, it is an important aspect of cross-country ski training load monitoring. The luTRIMP could be a good monitoring tool in cross-country skiing altitude training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Yu
- The School of Sports Coaching, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Sports Stress and Adaptation of General Administration of Sport, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongye Li
- The School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Sports Stress and Adaptation of General Administration of Sport, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Lu
- The School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Sports Stress and Adaptation of General Administration of Sport, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Mi
- The School of Sports Coaching, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China
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Axfors C, Wikström AK, Sundström Poromaa I, Hållmarker U, Michaëlsson K, Wallert J, White RA, Skalkidou A. Pre-pregnancy participation and performance in world's largest cross-country ski race as a proxy for physical exercise and fitness, and perinatal outcomes: Prospective registry-based cohort study. BJOG 2023. [PMID: 36715556 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigate associations between pre-pregnancy participation and performance in a demanding cross-country ski race (proxy for exercise volume and fitness) and perinatal outcomes. Pre-registered protocol: osf.io/aywg2. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Based on entire overlap between the Vasaloppet registry and the population-based Swedish Pregnancy Register. SAMPLE All female Vasaloppet participants 1991-2017 with subsequent singleton delivery (skiers), and age- and county-matched non-skiers. METHODS We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for non-skiers versus skiers (model 1) and, among skiers, by performance (model 2), in Bayesian logistic regressions adjusted for socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. We repeated calculations adjusting for early pregnancy body mass index (potential mediator) and explored robustness (selection/exposure settings; multiple comparisons correction). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Twenty-nine important perinatal outcomes, predefined based on existing expert consensus. RESULTS Non-skiers (n = 194 384) versus skiers (n = 15 377) (and slower versus faster performance, not shown) consistently had higher odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR 1.70, 95% highest density interval: 1.40-2.09), excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) (1.28, 1.22-1.38), psychiatric morbidity (1.60, 1.49-1.72), any caesarean section (CS) (1.34, 1.28-1.40), elective CS (1.39, 1.29-1.49), and large-for-gestational-age babies (>90th percentile, 1.11, 1.04-1.18); lower odds of inadequate GWG (0.83, 0.79-0.88); and no associations with fetal/neonatal complications (e.g. preterm birth [1.09, 0.98-1.20], small for gestational age [SGA] [1.23, 1.05-1.45]). Adjustment for body mass index attenuated associations with excessive (1.20, 1.14-1.30) and inadequate GWG (0.87, 0.83-0.92) and large for gestational age (1.07, 1.00-1.13). CONCLUSION Non-skiers compared with skiers, and slower versus faster performance, consistently displayed higher odds of GDM, excessive GWG, psychiatric morbidity, CS and large-for-gestational-age babies; and lower odds of inadequate GWG, after adjustment for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors and comorbidities. There were no associations with fetal/neonatal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrine Axfors
- Department for Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Anna-Karin Wikström
- Department for Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Ulf Hållmarker
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Mora Hospital, Mora, Sweden
| | - Karl Michaëlsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Wallert
- Department for Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Richard A White
- Section Sykdomspulsen: Real-Time Surveillance, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department for Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Ma T, Tan J, Li R, Li J, Gao B. Effects of six weeks of sub-plateau cold environment training on physical functioning and athletic ability in elite parallel giant slalom snowboard athletes. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14770. [PMID: 36721778 PMCID: PMC9884478 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hypoxic and cold environments have been shown to improve the function and performance of athletes. However, it is unclear whether the combination of subalpine conditions and cold temperatures may have a greater effect. The present study aims to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of training in a sub-plateau cold environment on the physical function and athletic ability of elite parallel giant slalom snowboard athletes. Methods Nine elite athletes (four males and five females) participated in the study. The athletes underwent 6 weeks of high intensity ski-specific technical training (150 min/session, six times/week) and medium-intensity physical training (120 min/session, six times/week) prior to the Beijing 2021 Winter Olympic Games test competition. The physiological and biochemical parameters were collected from elbow venous blood samples after each 2-week session to assess the athletes' physical functional status. The athletes' athletic ability was evaluated by measuring their maximal oxygen uptake, Wingate 30 s anaerobic capacity, 30 m sprint run, and race performance. Measurements were taken before and after participating in the training program for six weeks. The repeated measure ANOVA was used to test the overall differences of blood physiological and biochemical indicators. For indicators with significant time main effects, post-hoc tests were conducted using the least significant difference (LSD) method. The paired-samples t-test was used to analyze changes in athletic ability indicators before and after training. Results (1) There was a significant overall time effect for red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) in males; there was also a significant effect on the percentage of lymphocytes (LY%), serum testosterone (T), and testosterone to cortisol ratio (T/C) in females (p < 0.001 - 0.015, η p 2 = 0 . 81 - 0 . 99 ). In addition, a significant time effect was also found for blood urea(BU), serum creatine kinase (CK), and serum cortisol levels in both male and female athletes (p = 0.001 - 0.029, η p 2 = 0 . 52 - 0 . 95 ). (2) BU and CK levels in males and LY% in females were all significantly higher at week 6 (p = 0.001 - 0.038), while WBC in males was significantly lower (p = 0.030). T and T/C were significantly lower in females at week 2 compared to pre-training (p = 0.007, 0.008, respectively), while cortisol (C) was significantly higher in males and females at weeks 2 and 4 (p (male) = 0.015, 0.004, respectively; p (female) = 0.024, 0.030, respectively). (3) There was a noticeable increase in relative maximal oxygen uptake, Wingate 30 s relative average anaerobic power, 30 m sprint run performance, and race performance in comparison to the pre-training measurements (p < 0.001 - 0.027). Conclusions Six weeks of sub-plateau cold environment training may improve physical functioning and promote aerobic and anaerobic capacity for parallel giant slalom snowboard athletes. Furthermore, male athletes had a greater improvement of physical functioning and athletic ability when trained in sub-plateau cold environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ma
- School of Elite Sport, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwang Tan
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ran Li
- School of Elite Sport, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiatao Li
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binghong Gao
- School of Elite Sport, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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Talsnes RK, Moxnes EF, Nystad T, Sandbakk Ø. The return from underperformance to sustainable world-class level: A case study of a male cross-country skier. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1089867. [PMID: 36699686 PMCID: PMC9870290 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1089867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the main factors associated with unexpected underperformance and prospectively describe the holistic process of returning to sustainable world-class level in a male cross-country skier. Methods: Longitudinal training data was retrospectively analyzed across nine seasons (2012-2013 to 2020-2021), and categorized into training forms (endurance, strength, and speed), intensities [low- (LIT), moderate- (MIT), and high-intensity training (HIT)], and modes (specific and non-specific). Performance data was obtained from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. Following two seasons of unexpected underperformance (2019-2020 and 2020-2021), the participant was prospectively followed in the process of returning to sustainable world-class level (2021-2022). Day-to-day training data and physiological tests were analyzed, and interviews with the participant and the head coach conducted. Results: Longitudinal training data from 2012-2013 to 2018-2019 demonstrated a non-linear 30% increase in total training volume (from 772 to 1,002 h), mainly caused by increased volume of ski-specific endurance training without changes in intensity distribution. Coincidingly, the participant gradually reached a world-class performance level. After two seasons of unexpected underperformance with relatively similar training volumes and intensity distributions as in the preceding seasons, the possible contributing factors were identified: lack of training periodization, limited monitoring and intensity control, particularly in connection with a "extreme" regime of training with low carbohydrate availability and days including two MIT sessions, as well as lack of systematic technique training and follow-up by coaches on a daily basis. Consequently, the return to world-class level included the introduction of a clear micro-cycle periodization, more systematic physiological monitoring and testing, more accurate intensity control, increased carbohydrate intake during and between sessions, as well as increased emphasize on technique training and an assistant coach present during day-to-day training. Conclusion: These longitudinal data describe the main factors leading to unexpected underperformance, in addition to providing unique insights into the corresponding process of returning to sustainable world-class level in a male cross-country skier. The holistic approach described in this case study may serve as a theoretical framework for future studies and practical work with underperforming endurance athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Kjøsen Talsnes
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway,Meråker High School, Trøndelag County Council, Steinkjer, Norway,*Correspondence: Rune Kjøsen Talsnes,
| | - Einar Flaktveit Moxnes
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Trond Nystad
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Stöggl T, Holmberg HC. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Strength and Power Training on Performance in Cross-Country Skiers. J Sports Sci Med 2022; 21:555-579. [PMID: 36523891 PMCID: PMC9741725 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2022.555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
To identify and evaluate current scientific literature concerning the effect of strength, power and speed training on relevant physiological and biomechanical characteristics and performance of competitive cross-country skiers (XCS), the databases Scopus and PubMed were searched systematically for original articles in peer-reviewed journals. Of the 599 studies retrieved, 12 met the inclusion criteria (i.e., assessment of outcome measures with relevance for XCS performance; involvement of traditional resistance training; application of external resistance to the body; intervention longer than 4 weeks; randomized controlled trial). The methodological rigor of each study was assessed using the PEDro scale, which were mostly poor-to-fair, with good methodological quality in only two articles. All of the strength/power/speed interventions improved 1RM (0.8-6.8 ES), but findings with respect to jump performance, ability to generate force rapidly and body composition were mixed. Interventions demonstrated moderate-to-high ES on XCS specific performance compared with control (mean ES = 0.56), but the pattern observed was not consistent. None of the interventions changed anaerobic capacity, while in most studies VO2max was either unchanged or increased. Work economy or efficiency was enhanced by most of the interventions. In conclusion, present research indicates that strength training improves general strength, with moderate effects on XCS performance, and inconclusive effects on work economy and VO2max/VO2peak. Strength training with high loads, explosive strength training, or sprint interval training seem to be promising tools for modern XCS training. Future investigations should include long-term (e.g., >6 months) strength training to allow sufficient time for increased strength and speed to influence actual XCS performance. Moreover, they should include both sexes, as well as upper- and lower-body muscles (trained separately and together) and employ free weights and core training. Methodological differences and limitations highlighted here may explain discrepancies in findings and should be taken into consideration in future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein/Rif, Austria,Red Bull Athlete Performance Center– Salzburg – Austria, Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Schlossallee 49, 5400 Hallein/Rif, Austria
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden, School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Rønnestad BR, Bjerkrheim KA, Hansen J, Mølmen KS. A 6-day high-intensity interval microcycle improves indicators of endurance performance in elite cross-country skiers. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:948127. [DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.948127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-day high-intensity interval (HIT) block [BLOCK, n = 12, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max = 69. 6 ± 4.3 mL·min−1·kg−1)] with a time-matched period with usual training (CON, n = 12, V̇O2max = 69.2 ± 4.2 mL·min−1·kg−1) in well-trained cross-country (XC) skiers on physiological determinants and indicators of endurance performance. Furthermore, the study aimed to investigate the acute physiological responses, including time ≥90% of V̇O2max, and its associated reliability during repeated HIT sessions in the HIT microcycle.MethodsBefore the 6-day HIT block and following 5 days of recovery after the HIT block, both groups were tested on indicators of endurance performance. To quantify time ≥90% of V̇O2max during interval sessions in the HIT block, V̇O2 measurements were performed on the 1st, 2nd, and last HIT session in BLOCK.ResultsBLOCK had a larger improvement than CON in maximal 1-min velocity achieved during the V̇O2max test (3.1 ± 3.1% vs. 1.2 ± 1.6%, respectively; p = 0.010) and velocity corresponding to 4 mmol·L−1 blood lactate (3.2 ± 2.9% vs. 0.6 ± 2.1%, respectively; p = 0.024). During submaximal exercise, BLOCK displayed a larger reduction in respiratory exchange ratio, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion (p < 0.05) and a tendency towards less energy expenditure compared to CON (p = 0.073). The ICC of time ≥90% V̇O2max in the present study was 0.57, which indicates moderate reliability.ConclusionsIn well-trained XC skiers, BLOCK induced superior changes in indicators of endurance performance compared with CON, while time ≥90% of V̇O2max during the HIT sessions in the 6-day block had a moderate reliability.
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Rønnestad BR, Lid OM, Hansen J, Hamarsland H, Mølmen KS, Nygaard H, Ellefsen S, Hammarström D, Lundby C. Heat suit training increases hemoglobin mass in elite cross-country skiers. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2022; 32:1089-1098. [PMID: 35305278 PMCID: PMC9544462 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The primary purpose was to test the effect of heat suit training on hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) in elite cross‐country (XC) skiers. Methods Twenty‐five male XC‐skiers were divided into a group that added 5 × 50 min weekly heat suit training sessions to their regular training (HEAT; n = 13, 23 ± 5 years, 73.9 ± 5.2 kg, 180 ± 6 cm, 76.8 ± 4.6 ml·min−1·kg−1) or to a control group matched for training volume and intensity distribution (CON; n = 12, 23 ± 4 years, 78.4 ± 5.8 kg, 184 ± 4 cm, 75.2 ± 3.4 ml·min−1·kg−1) during the five‐week intervention period. Hbmass, endurance performance and factors determining endurance performance were assessed before and after the intervention. Results HEAT led to 30 g greater Hbmass (95% CI: [8.5, 51.7], p = 0.009) and 157 ml greater red blood cell volume ([29, 285], p = 0.018) post‐intervention, compared to CON when adjusted for baseline values. In contrast, no group differences were observed for changes in work economy, running velocity, and fractional utilization of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) at 4 mmol·L−1 blood lactate, V̇O2max or 15‐min running distance performance trial during the intervention. Conclusion HEAT induced a larger increase in Hbmass and red blood cell volume after five weeks with five weekly heat suit training sessions than CON, but with no detectable group differences on physiological determinants of endurance performance or actual endurance performance in elite CX skiers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ole Martin Lid
- Inland University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Joar Hansen
- Inland University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
| | | | | | - Håvard Nygaard
- Inland University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Stian Ellefsen
- Inland University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
| | | | - Carsten Lundby
- Inland University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
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Castañeda-Babarro A, Etayo-Urtasun P, León-Guereño P. Effects of Strength Training on Cross-Country Skiing Performance: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116522. [PMID: 35682103 PMCID: PMC9179959 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, cross-country skiing has been known for having a strong endurance component; however, strength demands have significantly increased in recent years. Given this importance, several studies have assessed the effects of strength training in cross-country skiing. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to analyze the results of those studies. A detailed search of four databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) was conducted until February 2022, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Ten eligible studies were selected from the 212 records identified, all of them including young well-trained skiers and interventions of 6–12 weeks. Results showed that maximal strength training may improve some important variables: for instance, performance, double-poling economy and maximal strength. However, this type of training failed to change other indicators such as peak oxygen consumption. Concurrent training, which combines endurance and maximal strength training, seems to be effective to improve performance. The mechanisms responsible for the improved economy of double poling might be due to a lower percentage of maximal strength during double poling at a given workload, which could increase performance. Future studies should include longer interventions which analyze a more varied sample.
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Torvik PØ, Sandbakk Ø, van den Tillaar R, Talsnes RK, Danielsen J. A Comparison of Double Poling Physiology and Kinematics Between Long-Distance and All-Round Cross-Country Skiers. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:849731. [PMID: 35498513 PMCID: PMC9039168 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.849731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The objective of this study was to compare physiological and kinematic responses to double poling (DP) between long-distance (LDS) and all-round (ARS) cross-country skiers. Methods A number of five world-class LDS (28.8 ± 5.1 years, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 70.4 ± 2.9 ml·kg−1·min−1) and seven ARS (22.3 ± 2.8 years, VO2max: 69.1 ± 4.2 ml·kg−1·min−1) athletes having similar training volumes and VO2max performed three identical tests; (1) submaximal and incremental tests to exhaustion while treadmill DP to determine gross efficiency (GE), peak oxygen uptake (DP-VO2peak), and peak speed; (2) submaximal and incremental running tests to exhaustion to determine GE, VO2max (RUN-VO2max), and peak speed; and (3) an upper-body pull-down exercise to determine one repetition maximum (1RM) and peak power. Physiological responses were determined during both DP and running, together with the assessments of kinematic responses and electromyography (EMG) of selected muscles during DP. Results Compared to ARS, LDS reached higher peak speed (22.1 ± 1.0 vs. 20.7 ± 0.9 km·h−1, p = 0.030), DP-VO2peak (68.3 ± 2.1 vs. 65.1 ± 2.7 ml·kg−1·min−1, p = 0.050), and DP-VO2peak/RUN-VO2max ratio (97 vs. 94%, p = 0.075) during incremental DP to exhaustion, as well as higher GE (17.2 vs. 15.9%, p = 0.029) during submaximal DP. There were no significant differences in cycle length or cycle rate between the groups during submaximal DP, although LDS displayed longer relative poling times (~2.4% points) at most speeds compared to ARS (p = 0.015). However, group × speed interaction effects (p < 0.05) were found for pole angle and vertical fluctuation of body center of mass, with LDS maintaining a more upright body position and more vertical pole angles at touchdown and lift-off at faster speeds. ARS displayed slightly higher normalized EMG amplitude than LDS in the muscles rectus abdominis (p = 0.074) and biceps femoris (p = 0.027). LDS performed slightly better on 1RM upper-body strength (122 vs. 114 kg, p = 0.198), with no group differences in power in the pull-down exercise. Conclusions The combination of better DP-specific aerobic energy delivery capacity, efficiency, and technical solutions seems to contribute to the superior DP performance found among specialized LDS in comparison with ARS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per-Øyvind Torvik
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Meråker, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Rune Kjøsen Talsnes
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Meråker, Norway
- Meråker High School, Trøndelag County Council, Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Jørgen Danielsen
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- *Correspondence: Jørgen Danielsen
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Almqvist A, Pellegrini B, Lintzén N, Emami N, Holmberg HC, Larsson R. A Scientific Perspective on Reducing Ski-Snow Friction to Improve Performance in Olympic Cross-Country Skiing, the Biathlon and Nordic Combined. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:844883. [PMID: 35392593 PMCID: PMC8980609 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.844883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the medals awarded at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, 24% were for events involving cross-country skiing, the biathlon and Nordic combined. Although much research has focused on physiological and biomechanical characteristics that determine success in these sports, considerably less is yet known about the resistive forces. Here, we specifically describe what is presently known about ski-snow friction, one of the major resistive forces. Today, elite ski races take place on natural and/or machine-made snow. Prior to each race, several pairs of skis with different grinding and waxing of the base are tested against one another with respect to key parameters, such as how rapidly and for how long the ski glides, which is dependent on ski-snow friction. This friction arises from a combination of factors, including compaction, plowing, adhesion, viscous drag, and water bridging, as well as contaminants and dirt on the surface of and within the snow. In this context the stiffness of the ski, shape of its camber, and material composition and topography of the base exert a major influence. An understanding of the interactions between these factors, in combination with information concerning the temperature and humidity of both the air and snow, as well as the nature of the snow, provides a basis for designing specific strategies to minimize ski-snow friction. In conclusion, although performance on “narrow skis” has improved considerably in recent decades, future insights into how best to reduce ski-snow friction offer great promise for even further advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Almqvist
- Division of Machine Elements, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Andreas Almqvist
| | - Barbara Pellegrini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- CeRiSM, Sport Mountain and Health Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nina Lintzén
- Division of Machine Elements, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Nazanin Emami
- Division of Machine Elements, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - H-C Holmberg
- Division of Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Roland Larsson
- Division of Machine Elements, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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Dernovoj B, Nuzhny V, Prosheva V. Seasonal variation of right heart function in elite skiers-racers: an echocardiographic study. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1261-1268. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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12
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Performance Effects of Video- and Sensor-Based Feedback for Implementing a Terrain-Specific Micropacing Strategy in Cross-Country Skiing. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:1672-1682. [DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the performance effects of video- and sensor-based feedback for implementing a terrain-specific micropacing strategy in cross-country (XC) skiing. Methods: Following a simulated 10-km skating time trial (Race1) on snow, 26 national-level male XC skiers were randomly allocated into an intervention (n = 14) or control group (n = 12), before repeating the race (Race2) 2 days later. Between races, intervention received video- and sensor-based feedback through a theoretical lecture and a practical training session aiming to implement a terrain-specific micropacing strategy focusing on active power production over designated hilltops to save time in the subsequent downhill. The control group only received their overall results and performed a training session with matched training load. Results: From Race1 to Race2, the intervention group increased the total variation of chest acceleration on all hilltops (P < .001) and reduced time compared with the control group in a specifically targeted downhill segment (mean group difference: −0.55 s; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.9 to −0.19 s; P = .003), as well as in overall time spent in downhill (−14.4 s; 95% CI, −21.4 to −7.4 s; P < .001) and flat terrain (−6.5 s; 95% CI, −11.0 to −1.9 s; P = .006). No between-groups differences were found for either overall uphill terrain (−9.3 s; 95% CI, −31.2 to 13.2 s; P = .426) or total race time (−32.2 s; 95% CI, −100.2 to 35.9 s; P = .339). Conclusion: Targeted training combined with video- and sensor-based feedback led to a successful implementation of a terrain-specific micropacing strategy in XC skiing, which reduced the time spent in downhill and flat terrain for intervention compared with a control group. However, no change in overall performance was observed between the 2 groups of XC skiers.
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13
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Effect of Skiing on Physical Performance, Pain, and Quality of Life Based on Gender. J Sport Rehabil 2022; 31:885-893. [DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2021-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Context: Identifying gender-specific differentiation in each sport type is significant. In this way, sport- and gender-specific gains can be predicted. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of skiing on physical performance, pain, quality of life, and gender-based differentiation. Design: Crossover trial. Methods: Sixty-eight volunteers, between 18 and 25 years of age, with no history of severe trauma in the spine and extremities, participated in our study. The skiers group consisted of licensed athletes (17 males and 17 females) who did active skiing for at least the past 2 years, the control group consisted of nonathletic and age-matched participants with no skiing experience (17 males and 17 females). Step test, vertical jump test, Flamingo balance test, hand-grip strength, and back-leg-chest strength measurements were performed to evaluate physical performance. Visual Analog Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire were used to evaluate pain experience. Quality of life was evaluated with Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results: Compared to the sedentary controls, VAS-activity and Oswestry Disability Index scores were lower; and aerobic performance, balance, hand-grip strength, back-leg-chest strength, and quality of life (SF-36-general health, SF-36-vitality, SF-36-mental health, and SF-total score) were higher in skiers. Skiing was found to be effective in eliminating gender-based differentiation of the variables of hand-grip strength, pain, and quality of life; however, back-leg-chest strength and anaerobic performance variables were found to be ineffective in eliminating gender differentiation. Conclusions: Skiing allows that the individual increases physical performance and quality of life. It can also minimize gender-based differentiation of certain variables, such as muscular force, pain, and quality of life.
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14
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Increasing Oxygen Uptake in Cross-Country Skiers by Speed Variation in Work Intervals. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 17:384-390. [PMID: 34814113 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Accumulated time at a high percentage of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) is important for improving performance in endurance athletes. The present study compared the acute physiological and perceived effects of performing high-intensity intervals with roller ski double poling containing work intervals with (1) fast start followed by decreasing speed (DEC), (2) systematic variation in exercise intensity (VAR), and (3) constant speed (CON). METHODS Ten well-trained cross-country skiers (double-poling VO2peak 69.6 [3.5] mL·min-1·kg-1) performed speed- and duration-matched DEC, VAR, and CON on 3 separate days in a randomized order (5 × 5-min work intervals and 3-min recovery). RESULTS DEC and VAR led to longer time ≥90% VO2peak (P = .016 and P = .033, respectively) and higher mean %VO2peak (P = .036, and P = .009) compared with CON, with no differences between DEC and VAR (P = .930 and P = .759, respectively). VAR, DEC, and CON led to similar time ≥90% of peak heart rate (HRpeak), mean HR, mean breathing frequency, mean ventilation, and mean blood lactate concentration ([La-]). Furthermore, no differences between sessions were observed for perceptual responses, such as mean rate of perceived exertion, session rate of perceived exertion or pain score (all Ps > .147). CONCLUSIONS In well-trained XC skiers, DEC and VAR led to longer time ≥90% of VO2peak compared with CON, without excessive perceptual effort, indicating that these intervals can be a good alternative for accumulating more time at a high percentage of VO2peak and at the same time mimicking the pronounced variation in exercise intensities experienced during XC-skiing competitions.
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15
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Wang J, Guan H, Hostrup M, Rowlands DS, González-Alonso J, Jensen J. The Road to the Beijing Winter Olympics and Beyond: Opinions and Perspectives on Physiology and Innovation in Winter Sport. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE IN SPORT AND EXERCISE 2021; 3:321-331. [PMID: 36304069 PMCID: PMC8475427 DOI: 10.1007/s42978-021-00133-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Beijing will host the 2022 Winter Olympics, and China strengthens research on various aspects to allow their athletes to compete successfully in winter sport. Simultaneously, Government-directed initiatives aim to increase public participation in recreational winter sport. These parallel developments allow research to advance knowledge and understanding of the physiological determinants of performance and health related to winter sport. Winter sport athletes often conduct a substantial amount of training with high volumes of low-to-moderate exercise intensity and lower volumes of high-intensity work. Moreover, much of the training occur at low ambient temperatures and winter sport athletes have high risk of developing asthma or asthma-related conditions, such as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. The high training volumes require optimal nutrition with increased energy and dietary protein requirement to stimulate muscle protein synthesis response in the post-exercise period. Whether higher protein intake is required in the cold should be investigated. Cross-country skiing is performed mostly in Northern hemisphere with a strong cultural heritage and sporting tradition. It is expected that innovative initiatives on recruitment and training during the next few years will target to enhance performance of Chinese athletes in classical endurance-based winter sport. The innovation potential coupled with resourcing and population may be substantial with the potential for China to become a significant winter sport nation. This paper discusses the physiological aspects of endurance training and performance in winter sport highlighting areas where innovation may advance in athletic performance in cold environments. In addition, to ensure sustainable development of snow sport, a quality ski patrol and rescue system is recommended for the safety of increasing mass participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Guan
- Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education, School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850 USA
| | - Morten Hostrup
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David S. Rowlands
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - José González-Alonso
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Jørgen Jensen
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Ullevål Stadion, P.O.Box 4012, 0806 Oslo, Norway
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16
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Seeberg TM, Kocbach J, Danielsen J, Noordhof DA, Skovereng K, Meyer F, Sandbakk Ø. Physiological and Biomechanical Responses to Cross-Country Skiing in Varying Terrain: Low- vs. High-Intensity. Front Physiol 2021; 12:741573. [PMID: 34707511 PMCID: PMC8543002 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.741573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purposes of our study were to investigate the physiological and biomechanical responses to low-intensity (LI) and high-intensity (HI) roller ski skating on varying terrain and compare these responses between training intensities. Nine elite male skiers performed treadmill roller skiing consisting of two 21 min sessions (7 × 3 min laps) at LI and HI with the same set inclines and intensity-dependent speeds (LI/HI: distance: 5.8/7.5 km, average speed: 16.7/21.3 km/h). Physiological and biomechanical variables were measured continuously, and each movement cycle and sub-technique employed were detected and classified with a machine learning model. Both the LI and HI sessions induced large terrain-dependent fluctuations (relative to the maximal levels) in heart rate (HR, 17.7 vs. 12.2%-points), oxygen uptake (V.O2, 33.0 vs. 31.7%-points), and muscle oxygen saturation in the triceps brachii (23.9 vs. 33.4%-points) and vastus lateralis (12.6 vs. 24.3%-points). A sub-technique dependency in relative power contribution from poles and skis exhibited a time-dependent shift from Lap 1 to Lap 7 toward gradually more ski power (6.6 vs. 7.8%-points, both p < 0.01). The terrain-dependent fluctuations did not differ between LI and HI for V.O2 (p = 0.50), whereas HR fluctuated less (p < 0.01) and displayed a time-dependent increase from Lap 2 to Lap 7 (7.8%-points, p > 0.01) during HI. Oxygen saturation shifted 2.4% points more for legs than arms from LI to HI (p > 0.05) and regarding sub-technique, 14.7% points more G3 on behalf of G2 was employed on the steepest uphill during HI (p < 0.05). Within all sub-techniques, cycle length increased two to three times more than cycle rate from LI to HI in the same terrains, while the corresponding poling time decreased more than ski contact time (all p > 0.05). In sum, both LI and HI cross-country (XC) skiing on varying terrain induce large terrain-dependent physiological and biomechanical fluctuations, similar to the patterns found during XC skiing competitions. The primary differences between training intensities were the time-dependent increase in HR, reduced relative oxygen saturation in the legs compared to the arms, and greater use of G3 on steep uphill terrain during HI training, whereas sub-technique selection, cycle rate, and pole vs. ski power distribution were similar across intensities on flat and moderately uphill terrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine M Seeberg
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Smart Sensor System, SINTEF DIGITAL, SINTEF AS, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Kocbach
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jørgen Danielsen
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dionne A Noordhof
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Knut Skovereng
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Frédéric Meyer
- Digital Signal Processing Group, Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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17
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Talsnes RK, Solli GS, Kocbach J, Torvik PØ, Sandbakk Ø. Laboratory- and field-based performance-predictions in cross-country skiing and roller-skiing. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256662. [PMID: 34428258 PMCID: PMC8384222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate how various laboratory- and field-based tests predict on-snow cross-country (XC) skiing and roller-skiing performance. Thirty-three national-level male XC skiers (19.0±2.5 years, maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] 70.8±4.7 mL·min-1·kg-1) performed a 13.6-km roller-ski skating competition tracked by a global positioning system (GPS), which together with individual distance International Ski Federation (FIS) points was used to assess their performance level. On separate days, time in a 6.4-km uphill running time-trial (RUN-TT) and 1.3-km uphill roller-ski double-poling time-trial (DP-TT) was measured in the field and performance indices determined while running and roller-ski skating in the laboratory. The mean finishing times for the RUN-TT and the DP-TT showed moderate to large correlations with distance FIS points and performance in the roller-ski skating competition (r = 0.56-0.72; all p<0.05). RUN-TT was more strongly correlated with distance FIS points than DP-TT (r = 0.72 versus 0.56; p<0.05). Performance indices and VO2max in incremental running and roller-ski skating in the laboratory showed large to very large correlations with distance FIS points and roller-skiing performance (r = 0.50-0.90; all p<0.05). Performance indices and VO2max in running tended to be more strongly correlated with roller-skiing performance than corresponding values obtained while roller-ski skating (all p<0.10). The present findings suggest that both laboratory performance indices and field-based performance tests provide valid predictions of XC skiing and roller-skiing performance in a heterogeneous group of male XC skiers, with test values obtained in running tending to be more strongly correlated with XC skiing performance than those found for technique-specific modalities on roller skis. However, more sophisticated and mode-specific testing might be required for more homogenous groups of elite XC skiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Kjøsen Talsnes
- Meråker High School, Trøndelag County Council, Steinkjer, Norway
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Guro Strøm Solli
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan Kocbach
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Per-Øyvind Torvik
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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18
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Sandbakk Ø, Solli GS, Talsnes RK, Holmberg HC. Preparing for the Nordic Skiing Events at the Beijing Olympics in 2022: Evidence-Based Recommendations and Unanswered Questions. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE IN SPORT AND EXERCISE 2021; 3:257-269. [PMID: 38624672 PMCID: PMC8107804 DOI: 10.1007/s42978-021-00113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, the XC skiing, biathlon and nordic combined events will be held at altitudes of ~ 1700 m above sea level, possibly in cold environmental conditions and while requiring adjustment to several time zones. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may lead to sub-optimal preparations. The current commentary provides the following evidence-based recommendations for the Olympic preparations: make sure to have extensive experience of training (> 60 days annually) and competition at or above the altitude of competition (~ 1700 m), to optimize and individualize your strategies for acclimatization and competition. In preparing for the Olympics, 10-14 days at ~ 1700 m seems to optimize performance at this altitude effectively. An alternative strategy involves two-three weeks of training at > 2000 m, followed by 7-10 days of tapering off at ~ 1700 m. During each of the last 3 or 4 days prior to departure, shift your sleeping and eating schedule by 0.5-1 h towards the time zone in Beijing. In addition, we recommend that you arrive in Beijing one day earlier for each hour change in time zone, followed by appropriate timing of exposure to daylight, meals, social contacts, and naps, in combination with a gradual increase in training load. Optimize your own individual procedures for warming-up, as well as for maintaining body temperature during the period between the warm-up and competition, effective treatment of asthma (if necessary) and pacing at ~ 1700 m with cold ambient temperatures. Although we hope that these recommendations will be helpful in preparing for the Beijing Olympics in 2022, there is a clear need for more solid evidence gained through new sophisticated experiments and observational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øyvind Sandbakk
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Guro Strøm Solli
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Rune Kjøsen Talsnes
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- Meråker High School, Trøndelag County Council, Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Torvik PØ, van den Tillaar R, Sandbakk Ø. Choice of Pole and Ski Lengths Among Elite Cross-Country Skiers: The Influence of Sex and Performance Level. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:654864. [PMID: 33969298 PMCID: PMC8100048 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.654864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-country (XC) skiers employ whole-body exercise to generate speed through poles and skis. The choice of optimal pole and ski lengths are therefore of high importance. The aim of this study was to document pole and ski lengths among elite male and female cross-country skiers in the classical and skating styles and to investigate sex differences in body-height-normalized pole and ski lengths. Our secondary purpose was to correlate body-height-normalized pole and ski lengths with performance level within both sexes. In total, Norwegian men and women (n = 87 and 36, respectively), participating in the Norwegian XC championship 2020, were investigated. Most athletes used poles close to the length allowed by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in the classical style among both sexes, with men using slightly longer poles than women (p < 0.05). Body-height-normalized pole lengths in skating were similar in men and women (around 90% of body height). Women used relatively longer ski lengths than men in both styles (p < 0.05). Women showed moderate correlations (r = 0.43, p < 0.05) between body-height-normalized pole lengths and sprint performance. Male and female cross-country skiers use as long classical ski poles as possible within the current regulations, while they use skating poles similar to recommendations given by the industry. The fact that men use longer body-height-normalized poles than women, where there is a correlation between pole length and sprint performance, indicate that faster women are able to better utilize the potential of using longer poles when double-poling. However, while women use relatively longer skis than men, no correlation with performance occurred for any of the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per-Øyvind Torvik
- Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, Nord University, Levanger, Norway
| | | | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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20
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Torvik PØ, Solli GS, Sandbakk Ø. The Training Characteristics of World-Class Male Long-Distance Cross-Country Skiers. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:641389. [PMID: 33718870 PMCID: PMC7947281 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.641389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the training characteristics of world-class long-distance cross-country skiers. Methods: Twelve world-class male long-distance cross-country skiing specialists reported training from their best season, through a questionnaire and follow-up interviews. Training data were systemized by training form (endurance, strength, and speed), intensity [low- (LIT), moderate- (MIT), and high-intensity training (HIT)], and exercise mode, followed by a division into different periodization phases. Specific sessions utilized in the various periodization phases were also analyzed. Results: The annual training volume was 861 ± 90 h, consisting of 795 ± 88 h (92%) of endurance training, 53 ± 17 h (6%) of strength training, and 13 ± 14 h (2%) of speed training. A pyramidal (asymptotic) endurance training distribution was employed (i.e., 88.7% LIT, 6.4% MIT, and 4.8% HIT). Out of this, 50–60% of the endurance training was performed with double poling (DP), typically in the form of a daily 3- to 5-h session. A relatively evenly distributed week-to-week periodization of training load was commonly used in the general preparation period, whereas skiers varied between high-load training weeks and competition weeks, with half the training volume and a reduced amount of DP during the competition period. Conclusions: To match the specific demands of long-distance cross-country skiing, specialized long-distance skiers perform relatively long but few training sessions and use a pyramidal intensity distribution pattern and a large amount of training spent using the DP technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per-Øyvind Torvik
- Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, Nord University, Levanger, Norway
| | - Guro Strøm Solli
- Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, Nord University, Levanger, Norway.,Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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21
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Talsnes RK, Hetland TA, Cai X, Sandbakk Ø. Development of Performance, Physiological and Technical Capacities During a Six-Month Cross-Country Skiing Talent Transfer Program in Endurance Athletes. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:103. [PMID: 33345092 PMCID: PMC7739832 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To examine the development of performance, physiological and technical capacities as well as the effect of sport background among runners, kayakers and rowers when transferred to cross-country (XC) skiing over a 6-month training period. Methods: Twenty-four endurance athletes (15 runners and 9 rowers/kayakers; 15 men and 9 women) were tested for performance, physiological and technical capacities during treadmill running and roller-ski skating, double-poling ergometry, as well as upper-body, one-repetition maximum-strength (1 RM) at baseline (pre) after three (mid) and 6-months (post) of XC ski-specific training. Results: Peak treadmill speed when roller-ski skating improved significantly (13%, P < 0.01) from pre-post, with a larger improvement in runners than in kayakers/rowers (16 vs. 9%, P < 0.05), whereas peak speed in running was unchanged. Average power output during 5-min and 30-s ergometer double-poling tests improved by 8% and 5% (both P < 0.01), with improvement found only in runners on the 30-s test (8 vs. −2% in kayakers/rowers, P < 0.01). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in running and double-poling ergometry did not improve, whereas VO2peak in roller-ski skating improved by 5% in runners (P < 0.05). Submaximal gross efficiency increased by 0.6%-point and cycle length by 13%, whereas 1 RM in seated pull-down and triceps press increased by 12 and 11%, respectively (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Six-months of XC ski-specific training induced large improvements in sport-specific performance which were associated with better skiing efficiency, longer cycle length, and greater 1RM upper-body strength in a group of endurance athletes transferring to XC skiing. Furthermore, larger sport-specific development was found in runners compared to kayakers/rowers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Kjøsen Talsnes
- Meråker High School, Trøndelag County Council, Steinkjer, Norway.,Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Tor-Arne Hetland
- Meråker High School, Trøndelag County Council, Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Xudan Cai
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.,Olympic Games Preparation Office, Chinese Olympic Committee, Beijing, China
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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22
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Talsnes RK, van den Tillaar R, Cai X, Sandbakk Ø. Comparison of High- vs. Low-Responders Following a 6-Month XC Ski-Specific Training Period: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:114. [PMID: 33345103 PMCID: PMC7739740 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual training responses among endurance athletes are determined by a complex interplay between training load, recovery and genetic influence. The present study used a multidisciplinary approach to compare high- and low-responders following a 6-month training period in endurance athletes transferring to cross-country (XC) skiing. Twenty-three endurance-trained athletes (14 runners and 9 rowers/kayakers; 14 men and 9 women) were classified as high (n = 9) or low-responders (n = 11) based on pre- to post changes in treadmill running, roller-ski skating and double-poling ergometry performances following 6-months of standardized XC ski-specific training. Physiological and technical capacities during these same modes were monitored pre and post. In addition, training volume, intensity, mode and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) training load were quantified daily. Finally, qualitative interviews of the athlete's personal coaches were performed after the intervention. There were no differences between groups with respect to physiological baseline characteristics. High-responders improved maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) in treadmill running (5.5 ± 7.0% change from pre- to post) as well as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak; 7.3 ± 7.0%) and power output at 4 mmol·L−1 (37.7 ± 28.2%) treadmill roller-ski skating which differed from a corresponding non-significant change in low-responders (−1.2 ± 3.6%, −2.7 ± 3.7% and 8.2 ± 12.5%; all P ≤ 0.05). VO2peak in double-poling ergometry did not change in any group, whereas gross efficiency and cycle length in roller-ski skating improved in both groups. High-responders performed greater training loads (weekly load: 3825 ± 1013 vs. 3228 ±.748 and load/volume ratio: 4.9 ± 0.6 vs. 4.2 ± 0.5; both P ≤ 0.05) and had lower incident of injury/illness (5 ± 3 vs. 10 ± 5 days; P = 0.07). Their coaches highlighted high motivation to train and compete, together with the ability to build a strong coach-athlete relationship, to separate high- from low-responders. In conclusion, high-responders to 6-months of standardized XC ski-specific training demonstrates greater improvement in maximal/peak aerobic capacity, which was coincided by higher training loads, greater perceived effort during sessions and lower incidents of injury and illness in comparison to their lower-responding counterparts. Possibly, the higher motivation and stronger coach-athlete relationships in high-responders contributed to more individually optimized training and recovery routines, and thereby more positive performance-development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Kjøsen Talsnes
- Meråker High School, Trøndelag County Council, Steinkjer, Norway.,Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | | | - Xudan Cai
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.,Olympic Games Preparation Office, Chinese Olympic Committee, Beijing, China
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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23
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Ardigò LP, Stöggl TL, Thomassen TO, Winther AK, Sagelv EH, Pedersen S, Hammer TM, Heitmann KA, Olsen OE, Welde B. Ski Skating Race Technique-Effect of Long Distance Cross-Country Ski Racing on Choice of Skating Technique in Moderate Uphill Terrain. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:89. [PMID: 33345080 PMCID: PMC7739746 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prolonged ski racing using skating style on technique choice in a transition section among female and male high-level skiers. Fifty three national-to-elite level skiers (20 females: 26.7 ± 4.8 years, 167.0 ± 6.5 m, 61.0 ± 5.1 kg, and 75.5 ± 68.8 FIS points; 33 males: 25.2 ± 3.5 years, 179.0 ± 5.2 cm, 73.1 ± 5.7 kg, and 73.7 ± 63.2 FIS points) were video recorded along a flat-to-uphill transition section of a course during the 30-km (females) and 50-km (males) races at the 2018 Norwegian National Championships. Across laps, section speeds decreased (P < 0.001) in all skiers, with the best-ranked skiers faster than the lowest-ranked (P < 0.001), and males faster than females in the first and middle laps. Section speed within each lap was associated with race performance (r = 0.76–0.86, P < 0.001 in females and r = 0.87–0.89, P < 0.001 in males). The prevalence of Gear 2 (G2) increased, while Gear 3 (G3) use decreased (both P < 0.001) across the subsequent laps, with females preferring G2 more than males in lap one (P = 0.027). In long-distance skate-style skiing, transition performance is representative of race performance and skiers decrease the use of the often-faster G3 technique while increasing the use of the slower G2 technique due to prolonged exercise. Especially female skiers should consider adding some flat-to-uphill G3 practice into established training, specifically early in the session before fatigue may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Paolo Ardigò
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Leonhard Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Athlete Performance Center, Red Bull Sports, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tor Oskar Thomassen
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | | | - Sigurd Pedersen
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Kim Arne Heitmann
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Odd-Egil Olsen
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Boye Welde
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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24
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Performance-Determining Variables in Long-Distance Events: Should They Be Determined From a Rested State or After Prolonged Submaximal Exercise? Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2020; 16:647-654. [PMID: 33291068 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2019-0987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Performance-determining variables are usually measured from a rested state and not after prolonged exercise, specific to when athletes compete for the win in long-distance events. PURPOSE (1) To compare cross-country skiing double-poling (DP) performance and the associated physiological and biomechanical performance-determining variables between a rested state and after prolonged exercise and (2) to investigate whether the relationship between the main performance-determining variables and DP performance is different after prolonged submaximal DP than when tested from a rested state. METHODS Male cross-country skiers (N = 26) performed a blood lactate profile test and an incremental test to exhaustion from a rested state on day 1 (D1; all using DP) and after 90-minute submaximal DP on day 2 (D2). RESULTS The DP performance decreased following prolonged submaximal DP (D1: peak speed = 15.33-20.75 km·h-1, median = 18.1 km·h-1; D2: peak speed = 13.68-19.77 km·h-1, median = 17.8 km·h-1; z = -3.96, P < .001, effect size r = -.77), which coincided with a reduced submaximal gross efficiency and submaximal and peak cycle length, with no significant change in peak oxygen uptake (P = .26, r = .23). The correlation coefficient between D1 cycle length at 12 km·h-1 and D2 performance is significantly smaller than the correlation coefficient between D2 cycle length at 12 km·h-1 and D2 performance (P = .033), with the same result being found for peak cycle length (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The reduced DP performance after prolonged submaximal DP coincided with a reduced submaximal gross efficiency and shorter peak cycle length. The results indicate that performance-determining variables could be determined after prolonged exercise to gain more valid insight into long-distance DP performance.
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25
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Köykkä M, Ihalainen S, Linnamo V, Ruotsalainen K, Häkkinen K, Laaksonen MS. Aiming strategy affects performance-related factors in biathlon standing shooting. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 31:573-585. [PMID: 33113219 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on investigating differences in shooting performance and performance-related factors between two different aiming strategies (HOLD, low radial velocity during the approach 0.4-0.2 seconds before triggering, and TIMING, high radial velocity) in biathlon standing shooting. A total of 23 biathletes fired 8 × 5 standing shots at rest (REST) and 2 × 5 shots during a race simulation (RACE). Shooting performance (hit point distance from the center of the target), aiming point trajectory and postural balance were measured from each shot. Shooting performance was similar both at REST (HOLD 33 ± 5 mm vs TIMING 38 ± 8 mm, P = .111) and in RACE (40 ± 11 mm vs 47 ± 12 mm, P = .194). Better shooting performance was related to smaller distance of the aiming point mean location (REST r = 0.93, P < .001, RACE r = 0.72, P = .018) and higher time spent within ⅔ of the distance of the hit area edge from the center 0.6-0.0 seconds before triggering (REST r=-0.88, P = .001, RACE r=-0.73, P = .016) in HOLD, and to lower aiming point total velocity 0.6-0.0 seconds before triggering (REST r = 0.77, P = .009, RACE r = 0.88, P = .001) and less aiming point movement 0.2-0.0 seconds before triggering (REST r = 0.82, P = .003, RACE r = 0.72, P = .012) in TIMING. Postural balance was related to shooting performance at REST in both groups and in RACE in TIMING. Biathletes using the hold strategy should focus on stabilizing the aiming point before triggering and aiming at the center, whereas biathletes using the timing strategy benefit of decreasing the total velocity during the final approach as well as minimizing the aiming point movement right before triggering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miika Köykkä
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Simo Ihalainen
- KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Vesa Linnamo
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Keijo Ruotsalainen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Keijo Häkkinen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Marko S Laaksonen
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
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26
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Zoppirolli C, Modena R, Fornasiero A, Bortolan L, Skafidas S, Savoldelli A, Schena F, Pellegrini B. Talent Development in Young Cross-Country Skiers: Longitudinal Analysis of Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:111. [PMID: 33345100 PMCID: PMC7739632 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Very little is known about talent development and selection processes in young cross-country skiers. Aim: (1) to analyze the effect of age on anthropometric and physiological parameters in medium-to-high level cross-country skiers during the late teenage period; (2) to describe parameters' trend in selected talents after the late teenage period; (3) to define which characteristics during the late teenage period could discriminate against further talent selection. Method: We found 14 male (M) and nine (F) athletes in our database, identified as talents by regional teams during the late teenage period, who performed the same diagonal-stride roller-skiing incremental test to exhaustion at 17 and 18 years old. Of these, four M and three F teenagers performed four further evaluations, and were selected by the national team. Age effect during the late teenage period was verified on anthropometric and physiological parameters measured at maximal intensity (MAX), first (VT1), and second (VT2) ventilatory thresholds, and 3° and 6° of treadmill incline. An observational analysis allowed to evaluate parameters' trend after the late teenage period in selected athletes, and to determine possible characteristics early discriminating further selection. Results: During the late teenage period, height, weight, and BMI was still raising in M as well as V'O2 at VT2 and 6° of treadmill incline (all P > 0.05). In F, mass-scaled V'O2 MAX increased while heart rate (HR) at MAX and VT2 decreased (all P > 0.05). Since the late teenage period, all selected males showed maximal ventilation volumes, absolute V'O2 at MAX, VT1, and VT2 that were within or above the 75th percentile of their group; the same was found in selected females for mass-scaled V'O2 MAX, VT1, and VT2 time. After the late teenage period, all selected athletes showed an increasing trend for VT2 time, while a decreasing trend for sub-maximal energetic cost, %V'O2 and HR. Discussion: During the late teenage period, males are still completing their maturation process. Since the late teenage period, some physiological parameters seem good indicators to early discriminate for further talents. A progressive increase in skiing efficiency was demonstrated in developing talents of both sexes after the late teenage period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zoppirolli
- CeRiSM (Sport Mountain and Health Research Center), University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Modena
- CeRiSM (Sport Mountain and Health Research Center), University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fornasiero
- CeRiSM (Sport Mountain and Health Research Center), University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bortolan
- CeRiSM (Sport Mountain and Health Research Center), University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Spyros Skafidas
- CeRiSM (Sport Mountain and Health Research Center), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Savoldelli
- CeRiSM (Sport Mountain and Health Research Center), University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- CeRiSM (Sport Mountain and Health Research Center), University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Barbara Pellegrini
- CeRiSM (Sport Mountain and Health Research Center), University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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27
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Strøm Solli G, Kocbach J, Bucher Sandbakk S, Haugnes P, Losnegard T, Sandbakk Ø. Sex-based differences in sub-technique selection during an international classical cross-country skiing competition. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239862. [PMID: 32991633 PMCID: PMC7523995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare speed, sub-technique selection and temporal patterns between world-class male and female cross-country (XC) skiers and to examine the combined associations of sex and speed on sub-technique selection. Thirty-three XC skiers performed an international 10-km (women; n = 8) and 15-km (men; n = 25) time-trial competition in the classical style (with the first 10 km of the race being used for analyses). An integrated GNSS/IMU system was used to continuously track position speed and automatically classify sub-techniques and temporal patterns (i.e. cycle length and–rate). When comparing the eight highest ranked men and women, men spent less time than women (29±2 vs. 45±5% of total time) using diagonal stride (DIA), more time (44±4 vs. 31±4%) using double poling (DP) and more time (23±2 vs. 19±3%) using tucking and turning (all P < .01). Here, men and women used these sub-techniques at similar temporal patterns within the same speed-intervals; although men employed all sub-techniques at steeper uphill gradients (all P < .05). In subsequent analyses including all 33 skiers, adjustment for average racing speed did not fully attenuate the observed sex differences in the proportion of time using DIA (CI95% [-10.7, -1.6]) and DP (CI95% [0.8, 9.3]). Male world-class XC skiers utilized less DIA and more DP compared to women of equal performance levels. Although these differences coincided with men’s higher speed and their ability to use the various sub-techniques at steeper uphill gradients, sexual dimorphism in the proportional use of DIA and DP also occurred independently of these speed-differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guro Strøm Solli
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Jan Kocbach
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
| | - Silvana Bucher Sandbakk
- Cardiac Exercise Research Group, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pål Haugnes
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Losnegard
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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28
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Huang X, Wang G, Chen C, Liu J, Kristiansen B, Hohmann A, Zhao K. Constructing a Talent Identification Index System and Evaluation Model for Cross-Country Skiers. J Sports Sci 2020; 39:368-379. [PMID: 32972318 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1823084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A talent identification index system for male and female cross-country skiers in four age groups (11-12 years old, 13-14 years old, 15-16 years old, and 17-18 years old) was established. The system comprises five body shape indexes ( i =5): Leg-to-Body Ratio (LBR), body fat percentage, maturity status, spreaded brachia index, and upper extremity length. The physiological function indexes ( i =2) are VO2max and haemoglobin mass (Hb). The psychological indexes ( i =5) cover reaction time, perception speed, a quality-of-will scale, an attention test, and operational thinking. The physical fitness indexes ( i =11) comprise upper limb explosiveness, vertical jump, 3000-metre run, orthostatic forward flexion, closed-eyes single-leg stand, standing long jump, 20-metre sprint, pull-ups (males), flexed arm hang (females), hexagon jump, and a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test. The athletic performance indexes ( i =3) comprise on-snow time trials for 1.2 km, 5 km, and 10 km. The talent identification evaluation model was created using automated evaluation software. The talent identification index system and evaluation standard table for cross-country skiers passed the P60 shortlist and P90 elite boundaries established using the percentile method. Thus, the results of this test profile verify that the evaluative model is objectively effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xizhang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Winter Sports Training Monitoring and Control, General Administration of Sport of China, Heilongjiang Research Institute of Sports Science , Harbin, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Winter Sports Training Monitoring and Control, General Administration of Sport of China, Heilongjiang Research Institute of Sports Science , Harbin, China
| | - Chao Chen
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport , Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangshan Liu
- School of Physical Education, Changzhou University , Changzhou, China
| | | | - Andreas Hohmann
- Institute of Sports Science, University of Bayreuth , Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Kewei Zhao
- Research Centre of Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Enhancement, China Institute of Sport Science , Beijing, China
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29
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Rømer T, Thunestvedt Hansen M, Frandsen J, Larsen S, Dela F, Wulff Helge J. The relationship between peak fat oxidation and prolonged double-poling endurance exercise performance. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:2044-2056. [PMID: 32654310 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The peak fat oxidation rate (PFO) and the exercise intensity that elicits PFO (Fatmax ) are associated with endurance performance during exercise primarily involving lower body musculature, but it remains elusive whether these associations are present during predominant upper body exercise. The aim was to investigate the relationship between PFO and Fatmax determined during a graded exercise test on a ski-ergometer using double-poling (GET-DP) and performance in the long-distance cross-country skiing race, Vasaloppet. Forty-three healthy men completed GET-DP and Vasaloppet and were divided into two subgroups: recreational (RS, n = 35) and elite (ES, n = 8) skiers. Additionally, RS completed a cycle-ergometer GET (GET-Cycling) to elucidate whether the potential relationships were specific to exercise modality. PFO (r2 = .10, P = .044) and Fatmax (r2 = .26, P < .001) were correlated with performance; however, V ˙ O 2 peak was the only independent predictor of performance (adj. R2 = .36) across all participants. In ES, Fatmax was the only variable associated with performance (r2 = .54, P = .038). Within RS, DP V ˙ O 2 peak (r2 = .11, P = .047) and ski-specific training background (r2 = .30, P = .001) were associated with performance. Between the two GETs, Fatmax (r2 = .20, P = .006) but not PFO (r2 = .07, P = .135) was correlated. Independent of exercise mode, neither PFO nor Fatmax were associated with performance in RS (P > .05). These findings suggest that prolonged endurance performance is related to PFO and Fatmax but foremost to V ˙ O 2 peak during predominant upper body exercise. Interestingly, Fatmax may be an important determinant of performance among ES. Among RS, DP V ˙ O 2 peak , and skiing experience appeared as performance predictors. Additionally, whole-body fat oxidation seemed specifically coupled to exercise modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tue Rømer
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Thunestvedt Hansen
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Frandsen
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Larsen
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Flemming Dela
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Geriatrics, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørn Wulff Helge
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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30
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Grzebisz N. Cardiovascular Adaptations to Four Months Training in Middle-Aged Amateur Long-Distance Skiers. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10070442. [PMID: 32629784 PMCID: PMC7399923 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10070442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-country skiing has a positive effect on health. However, without an individual, thoughtful, and professional plan, it can cause irreversible health problems from overload and injury. The impact of exercise on results is well understood within the group of professional athletes. However, this remains unknown within the group of amateur cross-country skiers and marathon runners—in particular, the impact of the summer preparation period in which training loads performed in the oxygen zone combined with resistance training dominate. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the cardiovascular capacity and body mass composition of male cross-country skiers in the preparation period of their macrocycle. Variables were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics: mean and standard deviation (SD). To compare the results from both measurements (initial and final) the paired Wilcoxon test was used. A statistically significant increase was noted in maximum oxygen uptake and maximum minute ventilation, and a decrease in body fat content, maximum lactate concentration and lactate threshold, and heart rate on anaerobic threshold. Research indicated that in the amateur group increases similar to those in top competitors were achieved in the parameters tested, but the initial level was often significantly lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Grzebisz
- Vistula School of Hospitality, Faculty of Dietetics, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
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31
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Zoppirolli C, Hébert-Losier K, Holmberg HC, Pellegrini B. Biomechanical determinants of cross-country skiing performance: A systematic review. J Sports Sci 2020; 38:2127-2148. [PMID: 32552520 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1775375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cross-country skiing is a complex endurance sport requiring technical skills, in addition to considerable physiological and tactical abilities. This review aims to identify biomechanical factors that influence the performance of cross-country skiers. Four electronic databases were searched systematically for original articles in peer-reviewed journals addressing the relationship between biomechanical factors (including kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation) and performance while skiing on snow or roller skiing. Of the 46 articles included, 22 focused exclusively on the classical technique, 18 on the skating technique, and six on both. The indicators of performance were: results from actual or simulated races (9 articles); speed on specific tracts (6 articles); maximal or peak speed (11 articles); skiing economy or efficiency (11 articles); and grouping on the basis of performance or level of skill (12 articles). The main findings were that i) cycle length, most often considered as a major determinant of skiing speed, is also related to skiing economy and level of performance; ii) higher cycle rate related with maximal speed capacity, while self-selected cycle rate improves skiing economy at sub-maximal speeds; iii) cross-country skiing performance appears to be improved by joint, whole-body, ski, and pole kinematics that promote forward propulsion while minimizing unnecessary movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zoppirolli
- CeRiSM, University of Verona , Rovereto, Italy.,Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science Department, University of Verona , Verona, Italy
| | - Kim Hébert-Losier
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato , Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University , Östersund, Sweden.,School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Biomechanics Laboratory, Beijing Sport University , Beijing, China
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Rønnestad BR, Rømer T, Hansen J. Increasing Oxygen Uptake in Well-Trained Cross-Country Skiers During Work Intervals With a Fast Start. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2020; 15:383-389. [PMID: 31621643 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2018-0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Accumulated time at a high percentage of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) is important for improving performance in endurance athletes. The present study compared the acute effect of a roller-ski skating session containing work intervals with a fast start followed by decreasing speed (DEC) with a traditional session where the work intervals had a constant speed (similar to the mean speed of DEC; TRAD) on physiological responses, rating of perceived exertion, and leg press peak power. METHODS A total of 11 well-trained cross-country skiers performed DEC and TRAD in a randomized order (5 × 5-min work intervals, 3-min relief). Each 5-minute work interval in the DEC protocol started with 1.5 minutes at 100% of maximal aerobic speed followed by 3.5 minutes at 85% of maximal aerobic speed, whereas the TRAD protocol had a constant speed at 90% of maximal aerobic speed. RESULTS DEC induced a higher VO2 than TRAD, measured as both peak and average of all work intervals during the session (98.2% [2.1%] vs 95.4% [3.1%] VO2peak, respectively, and 87.6% [1.9%] vs 86.1% [3.2%] VO2peak, respectively) with a lower mean rating of perceived exertion after DEC than TRAD (16.1 [1.0] vs 16.5 [0.7], respectively) (all P < .05). There were no differences between sessions for mean heart rate, blood lactate concentration, or leg press peak power. CONCLUSION DEC induced a higher mean VO2 and a lower rating of perceived exertion than TRAD, despite similar mean speed, indicating that DEC can be a good strategy for interval sessions aiming to accumulate more time at a high percentage of VO2peak.
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Niedermeier M, Gatterer H, Pocecco E, Frühauf A, Faulhaber M, Menz V, Burtscher J, Posch M, Ruedl G, Burtscher M. Mortality in Different Mountain Sports Activities Primarily Practiced in the Winter Season-A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010259. [PMID: 31905912 PMCID: PMC6981978 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Annually, millions of people engage in mountain sports activities all over the world. These activities are associated with health benefits, but concurrently with a risk for injury and death. Knowledge on death rates is considered important for the categorization of high-risk sports in literature and for the development of effective preventive measures. The death risk has been reported to vary across different mountain sports primarily practiced in the summer season. To complete the spectrum, the aim of the present review is to compare mortality rates across different mountain sports activities primarily practiced in winter. A comprehensive literature search was performed on the death risk (mortality) during such activities, i.e., alpine (downhill) skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski touring, and sledging. With the exception of ski touring (4.4 deaths per 1 million exposure days), the mortality risk was low across different winter sports, with small activity-specific variation (0.3–0.8 deaths per 1 million exposure days). Traumatic (e.g., falls) and non-traumatic (e.g., cardiac death) incidents and avalanche burial in ski tourers were the predominant causes of death. Preventive measures include the improvement of sport-specific skills and fitness, the use of protective gear, well-targeted and intensive training programs concerning avalanche hazards, and sports-medical counseling for elderly and those with pre-existing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Niedermeier
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.N.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (M.F.); (V.M.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
| | - Hannes Gatterer
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC Research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
| | - Elena Pocecco
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.N.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (M.F.); (V.M.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Center for Teaching Methodology, Pedagogical University Tyrol, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anika Frühauf
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.N.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (M.F.); (V.M.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
| | - Martin Faulhaber
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.N.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (M.F.); (V.M.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Austrian Society for Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Verena Menz
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.N.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (M.F.); (V.M.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
| | - Johannes Burtscher
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Markus Posch
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.N.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (M.F.); (V.M.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
| | - Gerhard Ruedl
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.N.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (M.F.); (V.M.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.N.); (E.P.); (A.F.); (M.F.); (V.M.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Austrian Society for Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Correspondence:
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Quantifying the mechanical work of breathing in men and women during rowing. Eur J Appl Physiol 2019; 120:381-390. [PMID: 31813046 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the mechanical work of breathing (Wb) during an indoor rowing test in men and women. Additionally, to compare sex-based differences in the Wb and its components through a rowing test. METHODS Fifteen collegiate rowers were recruited (8 women/7 men) and performed a 2000 m rowing test on a rowing ergometer. Esophageal pressure was measured during exercise via balloon catheterization, after which pressure-volume curves were used to calculate total, inspiratory resistive and elastic, and total expiratory Wb. RESULTS Men had significantly higher values of instantaneous and cumulative total Wb at and beyond 37.5% (430.4 ± 42.5 vs. 282.1 ± 45.1 J min-1, P < 0.05) and 62.5% (1946.8 ± 150.9 vs. 1360.1 ± 197.2 J, P < 0.05) total exercise time, respectively. However, when compared at the same minute ventilation, women had higher values of total (at and above ~ 140 L min-1), inspiratory resistive (at and above ~ 120 L min-1), and inspiratory elastic (at and above ~ 135 L min-1) Wb, whereas men presented higher total expiratory Wb compared to women at any ventilation. CONCLUSION Although female rowers present higher relative values of inspiratory resistive and elastic Wb, their male counterparts develop greater ventilatory efforts during a 2000 m rowing test, resulting in a larger total mechanical Wb. We interpret these findings to mean that the Wb reflects both anatomical (i.e., airways and lung sizes) and respiratory (i.e., minute ventilation) sex differences during rowing.
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Sustainable Sport: Cardio-Differentiated Planning of Fitness Programs for High School Boys Engaged in Speed Skiing. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11216077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In speed skiing, an athlete’s functional readiness is tested by means of a bicycle ergometer (EGM). The purpose of this research is to make various mesocycle plans for high school boys, engaged in speed skiing, with due account for their cardio-functional indicators obtained by means of the EGM. The study was attended by the 16–17 years old, first-category and sub-master racing skiers, included in the junior regional teams of the Russian Federation (Republic of Tatarstan and Udmurtia). The total number of subjects included eight men. In training young racing skiers, a differentiated approach combined with leg muscle testing will allow an improvement in sports results more effectively at different stages, as well as monitoring the young athlete’s response to the cardiovascular load. Low cardiac capacity indices have a negative impact on the racing skier’s performance. EGM testing allows determining the maximum cardiac capacity by measuring the amount of oxygen delivered to the working muscles at the HR of 190 beats per minute. Therefore, case-specific aerobic load was planned for each mesocycle according to these data. Based on the cardiac capacity growth, such means of physical training as interval, high-speed, and tempo training were planned.
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Skattebo Ø, Losnegard T, Stadheim HK. Double-Poling Physiology and Kinematics of Elite Cross-Country Skiers: Specialized Long-Distance Versus All-Round Skiers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2019; 14:1190-1199. [PMID: 30840518 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2018-0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Long-distance cross-country skiers specialize to compete in races >50 km predominantly using double poling (DP). This emphasizes the need for highly developed upper-body endurance capacities and an efficient DP technique. The aim of this study was to investigate potential effects of specialization by comparing physiological capacities and kinematics in DP between long-distance skiers and skiers competing using both techniques (skating/classic) in several competition formats ("all-round skiers"). METHODS Seven male long-distance (32 [6] y, 183 [6] cm, 76 [5] kg) and 6 all-round (25 [3] y, 181 [5] cm, 75 [6] kg) skiers at high international levels conducted submaximal workloads and an incremental test to exhaustion for determination of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and time to exhaustion (TTE) in DP and running. RESULTS In DP and running maximal tests, TTE showed no difference between groups. However, long-distance skiers had 5-6% lower VO2peak in running (81 [5] vs 85 [3] mL·kg-1·min-1; P = .07) and DP (73 [3] vs 78 [3] mL·kg-1·min-1; P < .01) than all-round skiers. In DP, long-distance skiers displayed lower submaximal O2 cost than all-round skiers (3.8 ± 3.6%; P < .05) without any major differences in cycle times or cyclic patterns of joint angles and center of mass. Lactate concentration over a wide range of speeds (45-85% of VO2peak) did not differ between groups, even though each workload corresponded to a slightly higher percentage of VO2peak for long-distance skiers (effect size: 0.30-0.68). CONCLUSIONS The long-distance skiers displayed lower VO2peak but compensated with lower O2 cost to perform equally with the all-round skiers on a short TTE test in DP. Furthermore, similar submaximal lactate concentration and reduced O2 cost could be beneficial in sustaining high skiing speeds in long-duration competitions.
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Hansen MT, Rømer T, Frandsen J, Larsen S, Dela F, Helge JW. Determination and validation of peak fat oxidation in endurance-trained men using an upper body graded exercise test. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2019; 29:1677-1690. [PMID: 31309617 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Peak fat oxidation rate (PFO) and the intensity that elicits PFO (Fatmax ) are commonly determined by a validated graded exercise test (GE) on a cycling ergometer with indirect calorimetry. However, for upper body exercise fat oxidation rates are not well elucidated and no protocol has been validated. Thus, our aim was to test validity and inter-method reliability for determination of PFO and Fatmax in trained men using a GE protocol applying double poling on a ski-ergometer. PFO and Fatmax were assessed during two identical GE tests (GE1 and GE2) and validated against separated short continuous exercise bouts (SCE) at 35%, 50%, and 65% of V̇O2peak on the ski-ergometer in 10 endurance-trained men (V̇O2peak : 65.1 ± 1.0 mL·min-1 ·kg-1 , mean ± SEM). Between GE tests no differences were found in PFO (GE1: 0.42 ± 0.03; GE2: 0.45 ± 0.03 g·min-1 , P = .256) or Fatmax (GE1: 41 ± 2%; GE2: 43 ± 3% of V̇O2peak , P = .457) and the intra-individual coefficient of variation (CV) was 8 ± 2% and 11 ± 2% for PFO and Fatmax , respectively. Between GE and SCE tests, PFO (GEavg : 0.44 ± 0.03; SCE; 0.47 ± 0.06 g·min-1 , P = .510) was not different, whereas a difference in Fatmax (GEavg : 42 ± 2%; SCE: 52 ± 4% of V̇O2peak , P = .030) was observed with a CV of 17 ± 4% and 15 ± 4% for PFO and Fatmax , respectively. In conclusion, GE has a high day-to-day reliability in determination of PFO and Fatmax in trained men, whereas it is unclear if PFO and Fatmax determined by GE reflect continuous exercise in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Thunestvedt Hansen
- Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tue Rømer
- Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Frandsen
- Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Larsen
- Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Flemming Dela
- Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Geriatrics, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørn Wulff Helge
- Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Willis SJ, Borrani F, Millet GP. Leg- vs arm-cycling repeated sprints with blood flow restriction and systemic hypoxia. Eur J Appl Physiol 2019; 119:1819-1828. [PMID: 31187281 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04171-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim was to compare changes in peripheral and cerebral oxygenation, as well as metabolic and performance responses during conditions of blood flow restriction (BFR, bilateral vascular occlusion at 0% vs. 45% of resting pulse elimination pressure) and systemic hypoxia (~ 400 m, FIO2 20.9% vs. ~ 3800 m normobaric hypoxia, FIO2 13.1 ± 0.1%) during repeated sprint tests to exhaustion (RST) between leg- and arm-cycling exercises. METHODS Seven participants (26.6 ± 2.9 years old; 74.0 ± 13.1 kg; 1.76 ± 0.09 m) performed four sessions of RST (10-s maximal sprints with 20-s recovery until exhaustion) during both leg and arm cycling to measure power output and metabolic equivalents as well as oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy) of the muscle tissue and prefrontal cortex. RESULTS Mean power output was lower in arms than legs (316 ± 118 vs. 543 ± 127 W; p < 0.001) and there were no differences between conditions for a given limb. Arms demonstrated greater changes in concentration of deoxyhemoglobin (∆[HHb], - 9.1 ± 6.1 vs. - 6.5 ± 5.6 μm) and total hemoglobin concentration (∆[tHb], 15.0 ± 10.8 vs. 11.9 ± 7.9 μm), as well as the absolute maximum tissue saturation index (TSI, 62.0 ± 8.3 vs. 59.3 ± 8.1%) than legs, respectively (p < 0.001), demonstrating a greater capacity for oxygen extraction. Further, there were greater changes in tissue blood volume [tHb] during BFR only compared to all other conditions (p < 0.01 for all). CONCLUSIONS The combination of BFR and/or hypoxia led to increased changes in [HHb] and [tHb] likely due to greater vascular resistance, to which arms were more responsive than legs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Willis
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Building Synathlon, Quarter UNIL-Centre, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Fabio Borrani
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Building Synathlon, Quarter UNIL-Centre, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Building Synathlon, Quarter UNIL-Centre, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Willis SJ, Peyrard A, Rupp T, Borrani F, Millet GP. Vascular and oxygenation responses of local ischemia and systemic hypoxia during arm cycling repeated sprints. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 22:1151-1156. [PMID: 31104973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute vascular and oxygenation responses to repeated sprint exercise during arm cycling with either blood flow restriction (BFR) or systemic hypoxia alone or in combination. DESIGN The study design was a single-blinded repeated-measures assessment of four conditions with two levels of normobaric hypoxia (400 m and 3800 m) and two levels of BFR (0% and 45% of total occlusion). METHODS Sixteen active participants (eleven men and five women; mean ± SD; 26.4 ± 4.0 years old; 73.8 ± 9.8 kg; 1.79 ± 0.07 m) completed 5 sessions (1 familiarization, 4 conditions). During each test visit, participants performed a repeated sprint arm cycling test to exhaustion (10 s maximal sprints with 20 s recovery until exhaustion) to measure power output, metabolic equivalents, blood flow, as well as oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy) of the biceps brachii muscle tissue. RESULTS Repeated sprint performance was decreased with both BFR and systemic hypoxia conditions. Greater changes between minimum-maximum of sprints in total hemoglobin concentration (Δ[tHb]) were demonstrated with BFR (400 m, 45% and 3800 m, 45%) than without (400 m, 0% and 3800 m, 0%) (p < 0.001 for both). Additionally, delta tissue saturation index (ΔTSI) decreased more with both BFR conditions than without (p < 0.001 for both). The absolute maximum TSI was progressively reduced with both BFR and systemic hypoxia (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS By combining high-intensity, repeated sprint exercise with BFR and/or systemic hypoxia, there is a robust stimulus detected by increased changes in blood perfusion placed on specific vascular mechanisms, which were more prominent in BFR conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Willis
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Arthur Peyrard
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (EA 7424 LIBM Chambéry), Université Savoie Mont Blanc, Campus Scientifique Technolac, France
| | - Thomas Rupp
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (EA 7424 LIBM Chambéry), Université Savoie Mont Blanc, Campus Scientifique Technolac, France
| | - Fabio Borrani
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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Undebakke V, Berg J, Tjønna AE, Sandbakk Ø. Comparison of Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Upper-, Lower-, and Whole-Body Exercise in Elite Cross-Country Skiers. J Strength Cond Res 2019; 33:1086-1094. [PMID: 30741871 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Undebakke, V, Berg, J, Tjønna, AE, and Sandbakk, Ø. Comparison of physiological and perceptual responses to upper-, lower-, and whole-body exercise in elite cross-country skiers. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1086-1094, 2019-The primary purpose of the present study was to compare physiological and perceptual responses to maximal and submaximal exercise between upper-, lower-, and whole-body exercise modes in elite cross-country (XC) skiers. Twelve elite XC skiers performed 5-7 submaximal 5-minute stages and an incremental test to exhaustion using upper-body poling (UP), running (RUN), and diagonal skiing (DIA), randomized on 3 separate days. Here, power output, cardiorespiratory variables, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. Peak power output increased gradually from UP to RUN and DIA, whereas peak oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak), peak HR, O2pulse, and total RPE were clearly lower in UP than RUN and DIA (p < 0.05). At submaximal workloads matched for either RPE, %HR, or BLa, the main pattern was that BLa was higher and V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and HR lower in UP compared with RUN and DIA (p < 0.05). DIA showed ∼10 and 35% higher V[Combining Dot Above]O2 than RUN and UP at RPE 10-13 and had lower muscular RPE values than UP and RUN at a given % of peak HR (p < 0.05). Most of the differences in cardiorespiratory variables between modes were eliminated when they were normalized to V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak or peak HR in the respective mode. Because of the low power production in UP, endurance training in this mode exhibits too low values of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 to tax the cardiovascular system sufficiently. In RUN and DIA, the similar V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak values indicate that both modes can be effectively used during high-intensity training and to determine V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in elite XC skiers. However, the relatively high V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values at low perceptual stress with submaximal DIA indicate that the large amount of power produced when combining upper- and lower-body work exhibits high oxidative flux even during low-intensity training. Overall, these findings should be taken into account when athletes and coaches are monitoring and prescribing training in future approaches, in particular in sports where athletes vary between training with upper-, lower-, and whole-body exercise modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidar Undebakke
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, K.G. Jebsen Center for Exercise in Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jonathan Berg
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, K.G. Jebsen Center for Exercise in Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arnt E Tjønna
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, K.G. Jebsen Center for Exercise in Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Center for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Berg J, Undebakke V, Rasch-Halvorsen Ø, Aakerøy L, Sandbakk Ø, Tjønna AE. Comparison of Mitochondrial Respiration in M. triceps brachii and M. vastus lateralis Between Elite Cross-Country Skiers and Physically Active Controls. Front Physiol 2019; 10:365. [PMID: 31024334 PMCID: PMC6461012 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale The main purposes of this study were to compare mitochondrial respiration in M. triceps brachii and M. vastus lateralis between elite cross-country (XC) skiers and physically active controls (CON), and to explore the associations between mitochondrial respiration in these muscles and peak oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O2peak) in arm- and leg-dominant exercise modes. Methods Thirteen male elite XC skiers (age: 25 ± 4; peak oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O2peak): 75.5 ± 4.2 mL⋅kg-1⋅min-1) and twelve CON (age: 26 ± 3; V ˙ O2peak: 57.2 ± 6.4 mL⋅kg-1⋅min-1) had microbiopsies taken from M. vastus lateralis and M. triceps brachii, which were analyzed for various measures of mitochondrial respiration using high-resolution respirometry. Thereafter, all participants tested V ˙ O2peak in both running (RUN) and upper body poling (UBP). Results XC skiers had generally higher mitochondrial respiration in M. triceps brachii compared to CON (P < 0.001), whereas no significant group-differences in mitochondrial respiration in M. vastus lateralis were revealed. XC skiers had higher mitochondrial respiration in M. triceps brachii compared to M. vastus lateralis (P = 0.005-0.058), whereas in CON, most mitochondrial respiration measures were higher in M. vastus lateralis than in M. triceps brachii (P < 0.01). When all athletes were pooled, there was a strong positive correlation between V ˙ O2peak in UBP and mitochondrial respiration in M. triceps brachii on several measures (P < 0.01), whereas no correlation was found for RUN. Conclusion The higher mitochondrial respiration found in M. triceps brachii compared to M. vastus lateralis among our elite XC skiers demonstrates the potential for the arm muscles to adapt to aerobic endurance training. The opposite pattern found in CON, clearly showed lower mitochondrial respiration in M. triceps brachii compared to XC skiers, whereas respiration in M. vastus lateralis did not differ between groups. The strong positive correlation between mitochondrial respiration in M. triceps brachii and V ˙ O2peak in UBP indicate that arm muscles' respiratory function may be a limiting factor for V ˙ O2peak in arm-dominant exercise modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Berg
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vidar Undebakke
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øystein Rasch-Halvorsen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Clinic of Thoracic and Occupational Medicine, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lars Aakerøy
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Clinic of Thoracic and Occupational Medicine, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arnt Erik Tjønna
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Vernillo G, Coulmy N, Millet GP. Editorial: Recent Evolutions and Perspectives in Olympic Winter Sports Performance: To PyeongChang and Beyond…. Front Physiol 2019; 10:481. [PMID: 31068839 PMCID: PMC6491754 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Vernillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gianluca Vernillo
| | | | - Grégoire P. Millet
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Gulsvik AK, Myrstad M, Landgraff IW, Emaus N, Ranhoff AH. Lower bone mineral density in older female endurance skiers - a cross-sectional, observational study. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 2018; 15:12. [PMID: 30473734 PMCID: PMC6240258 DOI: 10.1186/s11556-018-0202-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physical activity (PA) is generally beneficial for bone health, but the effect of high levels of PA over many years, in older women, is unknown. Methods T-score from Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and self-reported baseline characteristics were recorded for 24 female, cross-country-skiing-competitors, aged 68-76 years, from the Birkebeiner Ageing Study. Data from 647 women in the same age range from the Tromso-6 population study, with recorded DXA findings, were used for comparison. Results The athletes reported a median(range) of 9(1-34) participations in the 54 km, yearly ski-race, indicating long-term PA. They also reported more moderate and high levels of PA than women in the general population (52% vs. 12 and 30% vs. 0%, respectively). The athletes had lower body mass index (BMI) than the controls (mean BMI 21.7 vs 26.9 kg/m2, p < 0.001). As many as 22/24(92%) of the athletes and 477/647(74%) of the controls had a low bone mineral density (BMD) (T-score < - 1), p 0.048, Pearson chi square test. Odds ratio (OR) of low BMD was 3.9 in athletes vs. controls (p 0.048, logistic regression), but adjusting for BMI largely diminished the effect estimate, which was no longer statistically significant (aOR 1.81, p 0.432). The proportion of self-reported fractures was the same in the two groups. Conclusions This pilot study suggests that long-term, high levels of PA are associated with low bone mineral density in older women, and the finding might be due to differences in BMI. Despite the lower bone mineral density the athletes did not report more fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Gulsvik
- 1Department of Internal medicine, Diakonhjemmet hospital, Pb 23 Vinderen, 0319 Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marius Myrstad
- 2Department of Medical Research, Bærum Hospital, Vestre Viken Trust, Bærum, Norway
| | - Ida Wilson Landgraff
- 3Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bærum Hospital, Vestre Viken Trust, Bærum, Norway
| | - Nina Emaus
- 4Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anette Hylen Ranhoff
- Department of Clincal Science, University of Bergen, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, and National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Sagelv EH, Engseth TP, Pedersen S, Pettersen SA, Mathisen G, Heitmann KA, Welde B, Thomassen TO, Stöggl TL. Physiological Comparisons of Elite Male Visma Ski Classics and National Level Cross-Country Skiers During Uphill Treadmill Roller Skiing. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1523. [PMID: 30505276 PMCID: PMC6250767 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Longer distance cross-country ski (14–220 km) races such as the Visma Ski Classics (VSC) has recently gained attention in addition to the traditional Olympic distances (5–50 km) associated with cross-country (XC) skiing. These long-distance races are characterized by extensive use of the upper body while double poling (DP). While there is a substantial amount of research on Olympic distance XC skiing, the physiological capacities of VSC skiers has not yet been explored. We recruited seven elite male VSC skiers and seven well-trained national level male XC skiers to undergo three tests in the laboratory: (1) a one repetition maximum (1RM) strength test in a cable pulldown; (2) roller skiing tests on a treadmill (10.5% inclination) for determination of gross efficiency (GE) at submaximal speeds (8 and 10 km·h−1) in DP and diagonal stride (DS); (3) two ramp protocols to exhaustion (15% inclination, starting speed 7 km·h−1) in DP and DS for the assessment of peak and maximal oxygen uptake (V.O2peak and V.O2max), respectively. Compared with the national level XC skiers, the VSC skiers performed similar in the 1RM cable pulldown, displayed 12.2% higher GE in DP at 8 km·h−1 but did not display any difference at 10 km·h−1, and had lower blood lactate concentration and heart rate at both submaximal speeds. The VSC skiers had longer time to exhaustion compared with the national level XC skiers during the two ramp protocols in DS (18%) and in DP (29%). The V.O2max was 10% higher in DS compared with DP, with no differences between the groups. The V.O2peak/V.O2max-ratio of 90% did not differ between the two groups. In conclusion, the main differences were lower cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses at submaximal speeds as well as longer time to exhaustion in VSC skiers compared with national level XC skiers. This suggest efficiency to be the main difference between VSC and national level XC skiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edvard H Sagelv
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tina P Engseth
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sigurd Pedersen
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Svein A Pettersen
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gunnar Mathisen
- Department of Teaching and Pedagogy, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Teaching, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kim A Heitmann
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Boye Welde
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tor O Thomassen
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Thomas L Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Stöggl T, Pellegrini B, Holmberg HC. Pacing and predictors of performance during cross-country skiing races: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2018; 7:381-393. [PMID: 30450246 PMCID: PMC6234023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cross-country skiing (XCS) racing, a popular international winter sport, is complex and challenging from physical, technical, and tactical perspectives. Despite the vast amount of research focusing on this sport, no review has yet addressed the pacing strategies of elite XCS racers or the factors that influence their performance. The aim was to review the scientific literature in an attempt to determine the effects of pacing strategy on the performance of elite XCS racers. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched using relevant subject headings and keywords. Only original research articles published in peer-reviewed journals and the English language and addressing performance, biomechanics, physiology, and anthropometry of XCS racers were reviewed. RESULTS All 27 included articles applied correlative designs to study the effectiveness of different pacing strategies. None of the articles involved the use of an experimental design. Furthermore, potential changes in external conditions (e.g., weather, ski properties) were not taken into consideration. A comparable number of studies focused on the skating or classical technique. In most cases, positive pacing was observed, with certain indications that higher-level athletes and those with more endurance and strength utilized a more even pacing strategy. The ability to achieve and maintain a long cycle length on all types of terrain was an important determinant of performance in all of the included studies, which was not the case for cycle rate. In general, uphill performance was closely related to overall race performance, with uphill performance being most closely correlated to the success of female skiers and performance on flat terrain being more important for male skiers. Moreover, pacing was coupled to the selection and distribution of technique during a race, with faster skiers employing more double poling and kick double poling, less diagonal stride, and more V2 (double dance) than V1 (single dance) skating across a race. CONCLUSION We propose that skiers at all levels can improve their performance with more specific training in techniques (i.e., maintaining long cycles without compromising cycle rate and selecting appropriate techniques) in combination with training for endurance and more strength. Furthermore, we would advise less experienced skiers and/or those with lower levels of performance to apply a more even pacing strategy rather than a positive one (i.e., starting the race too fast).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein/Rif 5400, Austria
| | - Barbara Pellegrini
- CeRiSM Research Centre “Sport, Mountain, and Health,” Rovereto 36068, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Verona 37100, Italy
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund 83128, Sweden
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9037, Norway
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 121,Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
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Ørtenblad N, Nielsen J, Boushel R, Söderlund K, Saltin B, Holmberg HC. The Muscle Fiber Profiles, Mitochondrial Content, and Enzyme Activities of the Exceptionally Well-Trained Arm and Leg Muscles of Elite Cross-Country Skiers. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1031. [PMID: 30116201 PMCID: PMC6084043 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most physically demanding sports in the Olympic Games, cross-country skiing poses considerable challenges with respect to both force generation and endurance during the combined upper- and lower-body effort of varying intensity and duration. The isoforms of myosin in skeletal muscle have long been considered not only to define the contractile properties, but also to determine metabolic capacities. The current investigation was designed to explore the relationship between these isoforms and metabolic profiles in the arms (triceps brachii) and legs (vastus lateralis) as well as the range of training responses in the muscle fibers of elite cross-country skiers with equally and exceptionally well-trained upper and lower bodies. The proportion of myosin heavy chain (MHC)-1 was higher in the leg (58 ± 2% [34-69%]) than arm (40 ± 3% [24-57%]), although the mitochondrial volume percentages [8.6 ± 1.6 (leg) and 9.0 ± 2.0 (arm)], and average number of capillaries per fiber [5.8 ± 0.8 (leg) and 6.3 ± 0.3 (arm)] were the same. In these comparable highly trained leg and arm muscles, the maximal citrate synthase (CS) activity was the same. Still, 3-hydroxy-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HAD) capacity was 52% higher (P < 0.05) in the leg compared to arm muscles, suggesting a relatively higher capacity for lipid oxidation in leg muscle, which cannot be explained by the different fiber type distributions. For both limbs combined, HAD activity was correlated with the content of MHC-1 (r2 = 0.32, P = 0.011), whereas CS activity was not. Thus, in these highly trained cross-country skiers capillarization of and mitochondrial volume in type 2 fiber can be at least as high as in type 1 fibers, indicating a divergence between fiber type pattern and aerobic metabolic capacity. The considerable variability in oxidative metabolism with similar MHC profiles provides a new perspective on exercise training. Furthermore, the clear differences between equally well-trained arm and leg muscles regarding HAD activity cannot be explained by training status or MHC distribution, thereby indicating an intrinsic metabolic difference between the upper and lower body. Moreover, trained type 1 and type 2A muscle fibers exhibited similar aerobic capacity regardless of whether they were located in an arm or leg muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Ørtenblad
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Muscle Research Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joachim Nielsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Muscle Research Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Robert Boushel
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karin Söderlund
- Åstrand Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Saltin
- Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden.,School of Sport Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Pellegrini B, Stöggl TL, Holmberg HC. Developments in the Biomechanics and Equipment of Olympic Cross-Country Skiers. Front Physiol 2018; 9:976. [PMID: 30087621 PMCID: PMC6066541 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, our aim was to describe the major changes in cross-country (XC) skiing in recent decades, as well as potential future developments. XC skiing has been an Olympic event since the very first Winter Games in Chamonix, France, in 1924. Over the past decades, considerable developments in skiing techniques and improvements in equipment and track preparation have increased skiing speed. In contrast to the numerous investigations on the physiological determinants of successful performance, key biomechanical factors have been less explored. Today’s XC skier must master a wide range of speeds, terrains, and race distances and formats (e.g., distance races with individual start, mass-start or pursuit; knock-out and team-sprint; relays), continuously adapting by alternating between various sub-techniques. Moreover, several of the new events in which skiers compete head-to-head favor technical and tactical flexibility and encourage high-speed techniques (including more rapid development of propulsive force and higher peak forces), as well as appropriate training. Moreover, the trends toward more extensive use of double poling and skiing without grip wax in classical races have given rise to regulations in connection with Olympic distances that appear to have preserved utilization of the traditional classical sub-techniques. In conclusion, although both XC equipment and biomechanics have developed significantly in recent decades, there is clearly room for further improvement. In this context as well, for analyzing performance and optimizing training, sensor technology has a potentially important role to play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Pellegrini
- CeRiSM Research Centre "Mountain, Sport and Health," Rovereto, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- The Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden.,School of Sport Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Laaksonen MS, Jonsson M, Holmberg HC. The Olympic Biathlon - Recent Advances and Perspectives After Pyeongchang. Front Physiol 2018; 9:796. [PMID: 30013486 PMCID: PMC6036135 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The biathlon, combining cross-country ski skating with rifle marksmanship, has been an Olympic event since the Winter Games in Squaw Valley, United States, in 1960. As a consequence of replacing the classical with the skating technique in the 1980s, as well as considerable improvements in equipment and preparation of ski tracks and more effective training, the average biathlon skiing speed has increased substantially. Moreover, the mass-start, pursuit, and sprint races have been introduced. Indeed, two of the four current individual Olympic biathlon competitions involve mass-starts, where tactics play a major role and the outcome is often decided during the last round of shooting or final sprint. Biathlon is a demanding endurance sport requiring extensive aerobic capacity. The wide range of speeds and slopes involved requires biathletes to alternate continuously between and adapt different skating sub-techniques during races, a technical complexity that places a premium on efficiency. Although the relative amounts of endurance training at different levels of intensity have remained essentially constant during recent decades, today’s biathletes perform more specific endurance training on roller skis on terrain similar to that used for competition, with more focus on the upper-body, systematic strength and power training and skiing at higher speeds. Success in the biathlon also requires accurate and rapid shooting while simultaneously recovering from high-intensity skiing. Many different factors, including body sway, triggering behavior, and even psychology, influence the shooting performance. Thus, the complexity of biathlon deserves a greater research focus on areas such as race tactics, skating techniques, or shooting process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko S Laaksonen
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Malin Jonsson
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden.,School of Sports Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Polat M, Korkmaz Eryılmaz S, Aydoğan S. Seasonal variations in body composition, maximal oxygen uptake, and gas exchange threshold in cross-country skiers. Open Access J Sports Med 2018; 9:91-97. [PMID: 29760574 PMCID: PMC5937495 DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s154630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In order to ensure that athletes achieve their highest performance levels during competitive seasons, monitoring their long-term performance data is crucial for understanding the impact of ongoing training programs and evaluating training strategies. The present study was thus designed to investigate the variations in body composition, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and gas exchange threshold values of cross-country skiers across training phases throughout a season. Materials and methods In total, 15 athletes who participate in international cross-country ski competitions voluntarily took part in this study. The athletes underwent incremental treadmill running tests at 3 different time points over a period of 1 year. The first measurements were obtained in July, during the first preparation period; the second measurements were obtained in October, during the second preparation period; and the third measurements were obtained in February, during the competition period. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat (%), as well as VO2max values and gas exchange threshold, measured using V-slope method during the incremental running tests, were assessed at all 3 time points. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 20 package software. Significant differences between the measurements were assessed using Friedman’s twoway variance analysis with a post hoc option. Results The athletes’ body weights and BMI measurements at the third point were significantly lower compared with the results of the second measurement (p<0.001). Moreover, the incremental running test time was significantly higher at the third measurement, compared with both the first (p<0.05) and the second (p<0.01) measurements. Similarly, the running speed during the test was significantly higher at the third measurement time point compared with the first measurement time point (p<0.05). Body fat (%), time to reach the gas exchange threshold, running speed at the gas exchange threshold, VO2max, amount of oxygen consumed at gas exchange threshold level (VO2GET), maximal heart rate (HRmax), and heart rate at gas exchange threshold level (HRGET) values did not significantly differ between the measurement time points (p>0.05). Conclusion VO2max and gas exchange threshold values recorded during the third measurements, the timing of which coincided with the competitive season of the cross-country skiers, did not significantly change, but their incremental running test time and running speed significantly increased while their body weight and BMI significantly decreased. These results indicate that the cross-country skiers developed a tolerance for high-intensity exercise and reached their highest level of athletic performance during the competitive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metin Polat
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Sami Aydoğan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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The pacing strategy and technique of male cross-country skiers with different levels of performance during a 15-km classical race. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187111. [PMID: 29117228 PMCID: PMC5678876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study the pacing strategy, cycle characteristics and choice of technique of elite male cross-country (XC) skiers during a three-lap, 15-km classical race with interval start were measured. During the Norwegian Championships in 2016, fast (n = 18, age: 26±4 yr; height: 182±4 cm; body mass: 78±3 kg (means±SD)) and slow skiers (n = 18, age: 22±2 yr; height: 183±5 cm; body mass: 78±6 kg) were video recorded on flat (0°), intermediate (3.5°) and uphill sections (7.1°) of the first and final laps. All skiers adopted a positive pacing strategy, skiing more slowly (11.8%) with shorter cycles (11.7%) on the final than first lap (both p<0.001; pη2 = 0.93 and 0.87, respectively). The fast skiers were 7.0% faster overall (p<0.001, d = 4.20), and 6.1% (p<0.001, d = 3.32) and 7.0% (p<0.001, d = 3.68) faster on the first and final laps, respectively, compared to slower skiers. On all sections of both laps, the fast skiers exhibited 9.5% more rapid (pη2 = 0.74) and 8.9% (pη2 = 0.48) longer cycles (both p<0.001). On intermediate terrain, the fast skiers employed primarily double poling (DP, 38.9% on the first lap) and double poling with a kick (DPKICK, 50% on the final lap). In contrast, the slow skiers utilized for the most part DP alone (lap 1: 33.3%, lap 3: 38.9%) or in combination with other techniques (lap 1: 33.3%, lap 3: 38.9%) and decreased their usage of DPKICK from 27.8% on the first to 16.7% on the final lap. Skiing velocity on flat and intermediate terrain proved to be the best predictor of race performance (p<0.001). In conclusion, during a 15-km classical XC skiing race, velocity and cycle length decreased from the first to the final lap, most extensively on flat terrain and least uphill. Moreover, on the intermediate sections the fast and slow skiers chose to use different techniques.
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