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Lasshofer M, Seifert J, Wörndle AM, Stöggl T. Heel riser height and slope gradient influence the physiology of ski mountaineering-A laboratory study. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1159728. [PMID: 37153216 PMCID: PMC10154589 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1159728] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In ski mountaineering it is the goal to reach the top of a mountain by sheer muscle force. The specific equipment (flexible boot, only toe fixated binding, and a skin on the ski to prevent from slipping backwards) enables the skier to move up the hill ergonomically, where the heel part of the binding offers a special adaptation possibility. The so-called riser height supports the heel standing height and can be adjusted to individually preferred settings. General recommendations suggest using lower heel support in flat ascents and higher heel support in steep ascents to maintain upright posture and lower the strain. Still, it remains unclear whether the application of riser height affects the physiological response during ski mountaineering. This study was designed to investigate the effects of riser height on physiological response during indoor ski mountaineering. Nineteen participants took part in the study and walked on a treadmill with ski mountaineering equipment. The three available riser heights (low, medium, and high) were applied randomized at 8%, 16%, and 24% gradient. Results show that global physiological measurements like heart rate (p = 0.34), oxygen uptake (p = 0.26) or blood lactate (p = 0.38) values were not affected by changes in riser height. But local measurements of muscle oxygen saturation were affected by the riser height. Additionally comfort and rating of perceived exertion were also prone to changes in riser height. These results suggest differences on local measurements and perceived parameters, while global physiological measurements did not change. The results are in line with the existing recommendations but need to be confirmed in an outdoor setting as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lasshofer
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- *Correspondence: Michael Lasshofer,
| | - John Seifert
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Anna-Maria Wörndle
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Red Bull Athlete Performance Center, Salzburg, Austria
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Zimmermann P, Eckstein ML, Moser O, Schöffl I, Zimmermann L, Schöffl V. Left Ventricular, Left Atrial and Right Ventricular Strain Modifications after Maximal Exercise in Elite Ski-Mountaineering Athletes: A Feasibility Speckle Tracking Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13153. [PMID: 36293734 PMCID: PMC9603167 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Eleven world elite ski-mountaineering (Ski-Mo) athletes were evaluated for pronounced echocardiographic physiological remodeling as the primary aim of our feasibility speckle tracking study. In this context, sports-related cardiac remodeling was analyzed by performing two-dimensional echocardiography, including speckle tracking analysis of the left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV) and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) at rest and post-peak performance. The feasibility echocardiographic speckle tracking analysis was performed on eleven elite Ski-Mo athletes, which were obtained in 2022 during the annual medical examination. The obtained data of the professional Ski-Mo athletes (11 athletes, age: 18-26 years) were compared for different echocardiographic parameters at rest and post-exercise. Significant differences were found for LV-GLS mean (p = 0.0036) and phasic LA conduit strain pattern at rest and post-exercise (p = 0.0033). Furthermore, negative correlation between LV mass and LV-GLS (p = 0.0195, r = -0.69) and LV mass Index and LV-GLS (p = 0.0253, r = -0.66) at rest were elucidated. This descriptive reporting provided, for the first time, a sport-specific dynamic remodeling of an entire elite national team of the Ski-Mo athlete's left heart and elucidated differences in the dynamic deformation pattern of the left heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Zimmermann
- Department of Cardiology, Klinikum Bamberg, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center of Sportsmedicine Bamberg, Klinikum Bamberg, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
- Division of Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, BaySpo-Bayreuth Center of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Max L. Eckstein
- Division of Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, BaySpo-Bayreuth Center of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Othmar Moser
- Division of Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, BaySpo-Bayreuth Center of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Isabelle Schöffl
- Interdisciplinary Center of Sportsmedicine Bamberg, Klinikum Bamberg, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nurnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK
| | - Lukas Zimmermann
- Interdisciplinary Center of Sportsmedicine Bamberg, Klinikum Bamberg, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
| | - Volker Schöffl
- Interdisciplinary Center of Sportsmedicine Bamberg, Klinikum Bamberg, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
- School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nurnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Bamberg, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
- Section of Wilderness Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO 80045, USA
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Lasshofer M, Seifert J, Wörndle AM, Stöggl T. Heel riser height and slope gradient influence the kinematics and kinetics of ski mountaineering—A laboratory study. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:886025. [PMID: 36060627 PMCID: PMC9433713 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.886025] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In ski mountaineering, equipment and its interaction with the exercising human plays an important role. The binding, as the crucial connection between boot and ski, must ensure safe fixation during downhill skiing and a free moving heel when walking uphill. Uphill, the binding offers the possibility to adopt the height of the heel (riser height) to personal preferences and the steepness of the ascent. This possible adjustment and its influence on various biomechanical parameters are the focus of this work. For this study, 19 male leisure ski mountaineers were tested on a treadmill, ascending at a fixed submaximal speed (3.9 ± 0.4 km·h−1) at 8, 16, and 24% gradient and with three heel riser heights, low (0 cm), medium (3.0 cm) and high (5.3 cm). The applied biomechanical measurement systems included a 3D motion capture system in sagittal plane, pressure insoles, a with strain gauges instrumented pole, spirometry and a comfort scale. Step length and step frequency were influenced by the riser height and the gradient (p ≤ 0.001). The high riser height decreased the step length by 5% compared to the low riser height over all tested gradients, while steps were 9.2% longer at the 24% gradient compared to the 8% gradient over all three riser heights. The high riser height revealed a force impulse of the pole 13% lower than using the low riser height (p < 0.001). Additionally, the high riser height reduced the range of motion of the knee joint and the ankle joint compared to the low riser height (p < 0.001). Therefore, advantageous settings can be derived, with the low riser height creating proper range of motion for ankle, knee and hip joint and higher propulsion via the pole at 8%, while higher riser heights like the medium setting do so at steeper gradients. These findings are in line with the conducted comfort scale. We would not recommend the highest riser height for the analyzed gradients in this study, but it might be an appropriate choice for higher gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lasshofer
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein, Austria
- *Correspondence: Michael Lasshofer
| | - John Seifert
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein, Austria
- Department of Health & Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Anna-Maria Wörndle
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein, Austria
| | - Thomas Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein, Austria
- Red Bull Athlete Performance Center, Salzburg, Austria
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Sunde A, Christoffersen F, Johansen JM, Støren Ø. Steeper or Faster? Tactical Dispositions to Minimize Oxygen Cost in Ski Mountaineering. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 3:828389. [PMID: 35174324 PMCID: PMC8841821 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.828389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Investigate the effect of speed, inclination, and use of heel elevator on the oxygen cost of vertical climbing (Cvert) in ski mountaineering. Methods In this study, 19 participants who were (3 women and 16 men) moderate- to well-trained recreational Norwegian ski mountaineers were involved. All participants were tested for VO2max in running, and in a ski mountaineering test on a treadmill, to assess Cvert. The test protocol consisted of 12 4 min work periods at different inclinations from 13 to 23°, with continuous VO2 measurements. After every second work period, the inclination increased by 2°, and speed was decreased accordingly. The speed reduction was based on the equation Vvert = speed · sin(α), where α represents the angle of inclination. Vvert was thus held constant for each work period (854 m·h−1). All work periods were completed twice, with and without a heel elevator. Half of the subjects started with the smallest inclination, and the other half started with the steepest inclination. Results The results showed that Cvert was unchanged at all inclinations except 13°, where there was a significantly higher Cvert, at the same Vvert. Only at 13°, Cvert was higher with the use of heel elevator. There was also a significant trend indicating lower Cvert with use of heel elevator with steeper inclination. Conclusions There seemed to be nothing to gain by choosing detours if the inclination was 13° or less. The use of heel elevator was more advantageous, the steeper the inclination, but at 13° there was a negative effect of using heel elevator.
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Bortolan L, Savoldelli A, Pellegrini B, Modena R, Sacchi M, Holmberg HC, Supej M. Ski Mountaineering: Perspectives on a Novel Sport to Be Introduced at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Front Physiol 2021; 12:737249. [PMID: 34744777 PMCID: PMC8566874 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.737249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ski mountaineering is a rapidly growing winter sport that involves alternately climbing and descending slopes and various racing formats that differ in length and total vertical gain, as well as their distribution of downhill and uphill sections. In recent years, both participation in and media coverage of this sport have increased dramatically, contributing, at least in part, to its inclusion in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Here, our aim has been to briefly describe the major characteristics of ski mountaineering, its physiological and biomechanical demands, equipment, and training/testing, as well as to provide some future perspectives. Despite its popularity, research on this discipline is scarce, but some general characteristics are already emerging. Pronounced aerobic capacity is an important requirement for success, as demonstrated by positive correlations between racing time and maximal oxygen uptake and oxygen uptake at the second ventilatory threshold. Moreover, due to the considerable mechanical work against gravity on demanding uphill terrain, the combined weight of the athlete and equipment is inversely correlated with performance, prompting the development of both lighter and better equipment in recent decades. In ski mountaineering, velocity uphill is achieved primarily by more frequent (rather than longer) strides due primarily to high resistive forces. The use of wearable technologies, designed specifically for analysis in the field (including at elevated altitudes and cold temperatures) and more extensive collaboration between researchers, industrial actors, and coaches/athletes, could further improve the development of this sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Bortolan
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,CeRiSM, Sport Mountain and Health Research Centre, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Aldo Savoldelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,CeRiSM, Sport Mountain and Health Research Centre, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Barbara Pellegrini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,CeRiSM, Sport Mountain and Health Research Centre, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Roberto Modena
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,CeRiSM, Sport Mountain and Health Research Centre, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
| | | | | | - Matej Supej
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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