Decrease in eccentric quadriceps and hamstring strength in recreational alpine skiers after prolonged skiing

Abstract

BackgroundTo effectively prevent injury in recreational alpine skiing, it is important to identify modifiable risk factors that can be targeted through exercise and training. Fatigue is a potential risk factor in recreational skiing, but no investigations have evaluated concentric/eccentric quadriceps and hamstring fatigue in recreational skiers. We tested the hypothesis that recreational skiing is associated with more pronounced eccentric as compared with concentric muscle fatigue.MethodsTwenty-four healthy and fit recreational skiers (14 male and 10 female) performed an isokinetic muscle test 1 day before, 1 h after, and 24 h after a 4 h skiing session. The testing protocol consisted of concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring contractions for both legs.ResultsEccentric peak hamstring torque (both thighs) and eccentric peak quadriceps torque (left thigh) were reduced in male and female participants (p<0.05). Reduced peak torques were still present 24 h after the skiing session. There were no other significant findings.SummaryRecreational skiing is associated with prolonged (at least 24 h) eccentric quadriceps (left thigh) and hamstring (both thighs) fatigue in men and women. Eccentric quadriceps and hamstring fatigue may be a potential injury risk factor in male and female recreational skiers. This provides some justification for judicious use of additional eccentric training modalities for alpine skiing.

Effects of Recreational Ski Mountaineering on Cumulative Muscle Fatigue – A Longitudinal Trial

“…Experienced recreational ski mountaineers were recruited via digital and print media adverts, in local newspapers in Tyrol, Salzburg and South Tyrol. Inclusion criteria were being aged between 40 and 65 years, having an above average skiing level based on a score between 6 and 9 on a visual analog scale (VAS) for skiing (0: “no skiing skills” to 10 “excellent skiing under all terrain and snow conditions”), a minimum of uphill climbing (vertical distance) with touring skis of 8000 m over the time period of the last 2 years, time available for a preliminary examination and a 1-week recreational ski mountaineering holiday, an exercise capacity of more than 110% (age-predicted) based on a cycle ergometry (Lode B.V., Groningen, Netherlands; for details, refer to Koller et al, 2015 ) and medical approval based on the preliminary examination. Exclusion criteria were acute illnesses and injuries shortly before and during the investigation, a history of knee injuries (i.e., cruciate ligament injuries), chronic diseases, and pain therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and other inflammation inhibitors.…”

“…A thigh strap on the leg to be tested was used to fix the thigh, allowing only flexion and extension. The testing protocol consisted of concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring contractions (four repetitions each at an angular velocity of 60°/s) for familiarization with the equipment, followed by a 15 s brake and then by four maximum repetitions at an angular velocity of 60°/s ( Koller et al, 2015 ). Both legs were tested in each participant.…”

“…However, ski mountaineering is gaining more and more popularity as a leisure winter sports activity, especially in the European Alps ( Praz et al, 2016 ). To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the effect of ski mountaineering on muscle fatigue thus far, in contrast to the existing evidence regarding alpine skiing ( Seifert et al, 2009 ; Koller et al, 2015 ). However, whereas during alpine skiing, descending physical activity alternates with passive ascents (by cable car or chair lift) back to the top ( Seifert et al, 2009 ), ski mountaineering consists of both active ascending and descending and therefore may be even more demanding.…”

“…It occurs progressively and gradually after the onset of a persistent physical activity ( Gandevia, 2001 ; Enoka and Duchateau, 2008 ). For example, a 4-h alpine skiing session with normally trained recreational volunteers was associated with a decrease in eccentric quadriceps and hamstring strength, both indicators of muscle fatigue ( Koller et al, 2015 ). In particular, quadriceps and hamstrings are considered to increase knee stabilization and thus protect the anterior crucial ligament.…”

Hypoxia and Fatigue Impair Rapid Torque Development of Knee Extensors in Elite Alpine Skiers

“…Exercise-induced muscle fatigue can be defined as a reduction in the maximum force that a muscle can exert and/or sustain ( Enoka, 2002 ). Reportedly, skiing-induced fatigue is manifested by decreases in hamstring and quadriceps eccentric torque for 1–24 h following a 4-h skiing session ( Koller et al, 2015 ). Hence, skiing-induced fatigue alters force production capacity and electromyographic (EMG) activity in the lower extremities ( Kröll et al, 2005 , 2011 ; Ushiyama et al, 2005 ; Akutsu et al, 2008 ; Tomazin et al, 2008 ; Kiryu et al, 2011 ).…”