Activity of Upper Body Muscles in Double Poling and Skierg Workout

Abstract

Background. The aim of the study was to compare the involvement of upper body muscles during double poling and SkiErg Concept 2 workout and verify its specificity for cross-country skiing. Methods. Ten elite Czech cross-country skiers performed double poling and SkiErg workout. Electromyography of selected upper body muscles and cycle characteristics were analysed. To monitor the electrical activity of muscles, we used the device ME6000. Data were analysed using Mega Win and MATLAB software version R2012b. Results. Relative poling phase during double poling was 30.30 ± 2.02% and during SkiErg workout 54 ± 3.36%. Pre-activation of trunk flexors was significantly higher during double poling due to high and forward body position before pole plant. Pre-activation of trunk flexors was not significantly different as pre-activation of shoulder and elbow extensors during SkiErg workout. Deactivation of these muscles came significantly later during SkiErg workout. Conclusion. SkiErg cannot be considered a specific training method for cross-country skiing. It can be recommended to obtain specific power, but long-term application may cause disruption of double poling technique, especially timing of trunk flexors, shoulder and elbow extensors.

Biomechanics of Double Poling in Paralympic Cross-Country Skiing—A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing the Standing and Sitting Positions in Healthy Male Subjects

“…Second, we measured the biomechanical parameters during double poling using a ski ergometer. The kinematics of poling on the ski ergometer may differ from that of actual poling using skies and poles described in a previous study [26]. Future studies regarding poling biomechanics using a ski or roller-ski may provide more knowledge on cross-country skiing athletes.…”

Hybrid high-intensity interval training using functional electrical stimulation leg cycling and arm ski ergometer for people with spinal cord injuries: a feasibility study

“…Besides an increased risk of CVD, people with SCI have high prevalence of shoulder pain [ 37 ], and shoulder muscle imbalance may play a role in this [ 38 ]. To reduce this shoulder muscle imbalance, a ski ergometer (SkiErg), which activates muscles on the posterior side of the upper body and arms [ 39 ], is considered a highly relevant exercise modality [ 40 ]. As hybrid HIIT in the form of FES leg cycling and arm exercise with a ski ergometer has not previously been studied in people with SCI, the effect on oxygen uptake is still unknown.…”