Aerobic Variables for Prediction of Alpine Skiing Performance – A Novel Approach

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive power of aerobic test results and anthropometric variables on FIS-ranking of junior elite alpine skiers. Results from twenty-three male and female adolescent elite alpine skiers from two seasons were included in the multivariate statistical models. Physical work capacity was determined by V̇O2peak, blood lactate concentration ([HLa]b), and heart rate (HR) during ergometer cycling. Anthropometric variables were body stature, body weight and calculated BMI. No significant correlation between competitive performance and aerobic work capacity or anthropometric data was observed neither in male nor female adolescent skiers. Pre-season physical tests and anthropometric data could therefore not predict end-season FIS-ranking. The best regression (R2) and prediction (Q2) models of FIS slalom (SL) and giant slalom (GS) rank reached R2=0.51 to 0.86, Q2=−0.73 to 0.18, indicating no valid models. This study could not establish V̇O2peak and other included variables as predictors of competitive performance. When combining results from commonly used tests for alpine skiers, and applying multivariate statistical models, investigated tests seems of limited used for athletes, coaches, and ski federations. Performance-specific pre-season tests must be developed and validated for prediction of performance and guidance of exercise training.

Preseason aerobic and anaerobic tests for prediction of alpine skiing performance: a molecular perspective

“…Based on these findings and in agreement with a recent study, we suggest that preseason aerobic and anaerobic tests are of limited use for prediction of alpine skiing performance 1. A valid and reliable test battery that can predict performance in alpine skiing seems to be lacking.…”

“…Alpine ski racing is a demanding and multifaceted sport requiring high levels of physical and technical competence 1. Because of the complexity of the sport, the selection of useful sport-specific tests of physiological capacities is challenging 1.…”

“…Alpine ski racing is a demanding and multifaceted sport requiring high levels of physical and technical competence 1. Because of the complexity of the sport, the selection of useful sport-specific tests of physiological capacities is challenging 1. Aerobic capacity is commonly measured using incremental cycle ergometer exercise, while anaerobic capacity is commonly tested using metabolically highly demanding all-out Wingate cycling 2.…”

“…This type of fatigue is closely related to the need for ATP production by anaerobic metabolism,3 for example, metabolically highly demanding all-out Wingate cycling. Anaerobic metabolism leads to accumulation of lactate and hydrogen ions and increased blood lactate concentrations were measured after alpine ski racing without affecting competitive performance 1 3. However, the high metabolic loads experienced by alpine skiers essentially stem from the simultaneous activation of a plethora of trunk muscles necessary to maintain core stability and balance 7.…”

“…A valid and reliable test battery that can predict performance in alpine skiing seems to be lacking. Therefore, future research directed towards screening for valid components of athletic performance is required 1…”