Effect of prolonged racing on muscle activity and spatiotemporal variables: double-poling technique

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 40-minute race on muscle activity and spatiotemporal cycle variables at four-time points during a 12-km roller skiing test using the double-poling technique. [Subjects and Methods] Five elite cross-country (XC) skiers on the Korean National reserve team participated in the study. Part of a biathlon course that consisted of both flat land and slopes was selected, and three measurements were recorded after every 4-km lap. Spatiotemporal variables, mean frequency and mean amplitude of 6 muscles were the chosen computational parameters. [Results] Significant differences were observed in cycle time and rate. The mean frequency of the upper-body muscles exhibited declining trends, with statistically significant differences for the triceps brachii. In addition, there were significant differences in the mean amplitude of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius. The activity of the triceps brachii, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius showed some degree of dependence on the technique. [Conclusion] Training and race strategies that improve the function of elbow extensors and ankle dorsiflexors are important in XC skiing; the application of roller-ski training research to actual XC skiing competitions is needed.

Ski Skating Race Technique—Effect of Long Distance Cross-Country Ski Racing on Choice of Skating Technique in Moderate Uphill Terrain

“…The present study showed a race speed decrease over the laps, paralleled by both CL and CR reductions ( Table 2 ). Kim et al ( 2017 ) showed a decrease over a simulated 12-km roller skiing race using the double poling technique. When considering double poling similar to G3 (because both techniques require parallel upper-limb pushes supporting ski gliding), Kim et al ( 2017 ) findings are akin to the present study regarding race speed decrease and its determinants.…”

“…Kim et al ( 2017 ) showed a decrease over a simulated 12-km roller skiing race using the double poling technique. When considering double poling similar to G3 (because both techniques require parallel upper-limb pushes supporting ski gliding), Kim et al ( 2017 ) findings are akin to the present study regarding race speed decrease and its determinants. Ohtonen et al ( 2018 ) showed how a simulated 20-km race in skating style worsened final sprint performance using G3.…”