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

Abstract

Sport is known to have many positive effects on mental and physical health. High-intensity exercise is considered to decrease muscle strength and induce muscle fatigue, which is associated with a higher risk of injury. In recreational alpine skiers, a decrease of eccentric peak hamstring torque, as an indication of muscle fatigue, occurs even after 1 day of skiing. The popularity of ski mountaineering is increasing enormously, but no studies are available on its effects on muscle strength. Therefore, the present study examined the consequences of ski mountaineering on muscle fatigue of the concentric/eccentric quadriceps and/or hamstrings. In addition, a possible role of myofascial foam rolling in reducing muscle fatigue was evaluated. Fifty recreational ski mountaineers (27 males, 23 females) completed five consecutive tours of ski mountaineering within 1 week. After each day of skiing, participants underwent an isokinetic muscle test assessing the concentric and eccentric muscle strength of both thighs. One group completed an additional session of myofascial foam rolling. Right and left concentric quadriceps peak torque, left hamstrings peak torque, left eccentric quadriceps peak torque, as well as right and left hamstring peak torque, were reduced after a single day of ski mountaineering (p ≤ 0.016 for all). However, no cumulative muscle fatigue was detected and we could not demonstrate any effect of myofascial foam rolling. The results show conclusively that a single day of ski mountaineering leads to a significant decrease of concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring strength. Therefore, in order to improve muscle strength for the ski mountaineering season, a physical training program including concentric and eccentric methods can be recommended.

Feasibility of Ski Mountaineering for Patients Following a Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Descriptive Field Study

“…Despite the reported decrease in quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength after recreational ski mountaineering in healthy participants [16], we found no indication of muscle fatigue, expressed by strength loss in the operated leg. Neither a single day of ski mountaineering nor a complete week of repeated ski tours led to a decrease in muscle strength.…”

“…Therefore, similar to alpine skiing, ski mountaineering has a certain impact on muscle fatigue and has to be considered as high-impact sport for patients with TKA as well. In a recent study on ski mountaineering with healthy subjects, participating in a week of consecutive ski tours, we found that muscle strength was decreased already after the first ski tour and remained at a lower level without any cumulative effect during the time course of the week [16]. Similar to alpine skiing, ski mountaineering can be considered as a high-impact sports activity; however, evidence-based recommendations for patients with a TKA are still lacking.…”

A Prospective Injury Surveillance Study on Ski Touring

“…Although there was no significant association in the present study, off-piste training might be a preventive measure, as increased muscle strength reduces early muscle fatigue and the concomitant risk of injury. 15 While the difference was not statistically significant, the injury rate in advanced ski tourers (3.0 injuries/1000 h) was higher than in experts (1.1 injuries/1000 h) and beginners (1.8 injuries/1000 h). Previous injury surveillance studies have shown that more experience as such seems to be a preventive measure, as poorer technical skills were associated with injuries.…”

“…Although there was no significant association in the present study, off-piste training might be a preventive measure, as increased muscle strength reduces early muscle fatigue and the concomitant risk of injury. 15…”

Effect of Acute Self-Myofascial Release on Pain and Exercise Performance for Cycling Club Members with Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome

“…There were some limitations in scientific interpretation because the statistical differences were not confirmed in all the sections. However, there were some interesting previous results [ 56 ] that confirmed the maximum torque increase in the quadriceps and hamstrings by applying SMR to cross-country skiers with varying inclinations of the cycling course. The longest significant difference in some sections of the uphill road resulted from improved exercise capacity due to SMR.…”