Relationships between body composition, body dimensions, and peak speed in cross-country sprint skiing

Abstract

In modern sprint cross-country skiing, strength and maximal speed are major determinants of performance. The aims of this study were to ascertain the anthropometric characteristics of world-class sprint skiers and to evaluate whether a specific body composition and/or body dimension characterizes a successful sprint skier. Our hypothesis was that body height and lean body mass are related to peak speed in double poling and diagonal stride. Fourteen male national and international elite skiers performed two peak speed tests in double poling and diagonal stride roller skiing on a treadmill and were analysed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine body composition and body dimensions. Relative pole length was positively correlated with both techniques (double poling: r = 0.77, P < 0.01; diagonal stride: r = 0.60, P < 0.05) and was the only variable that was part of the multiple regression model for both double poling and diagonal stride peak speed. Body height was not correlated with any technique, whereas lean trunk mass (r = 0.75, P < 0.01), body mass index (r = 0.66, P < 0.01), total lean mass (r = 0.69, P < 0.01), and body mass (r = 0.57, P < 0.05) were positively related to double poling peak speed. Total lean mass (absolute: r = 0.58, P < 0.05; relative: r = 0.76, P < 0.001) and relative lean mass of the trunk, arms (both r = 0.72, P < 0.01), and legs (r = 0.54, P < 0.05) were positively related to diagonal stride peak speed. In conclusion, skiers should aim to achieve a body composition with a high percentage of lean mass and low fat mass. A focus on trunk mass through increased muscle mass appears to be important, especially for double poling. The use of longer poles (percent body height) seems to be advantageous for both double poling and diagonal stride peak speed, whereas body dimensions do not appear to be a predictive factor.

The Influence of Pole Length on Performance, O2 Cost, and Kinematics in Double Poling

“…In roller skiing, the rear wheel is locked whereas on snow the ski needs to be compressed towards the snow to obtain grip while skiing. 24 From a practical point of view, the arm movement ("low shoulder") in the reposition phase is of great importance in order to lower the COM and compress the ski's chamber (with kick wax) to the snow to obtain high static friction and thus allow for effective propulsion by the legs. Whether this way of moving is restricted during on-snow-skiing in DIA with long poles needs to be further studied.…”

Body Asymmetries in Young Male Road Cyclists

“…For cycling as an edurance sport, a variety of different anthropometric characteristics, training characteristics, and physiological variables have been identified as important predictors for race performance (Knechtle, 2014). Over the years, research has been conducted in an attempt to provide further insight into the extent that an athlete's body dimensions and composition influence performance (Stöggl et al, 2010). In cycling, it was demonstrated that individuals competing in sprint events possess a higher body mass and larger leg circumferences than distance cyclists (McLean & Parker, 1989).…”

Winter Sports

“…A new addition to Nordic skiing is the sprint event. This event requires more strength and power (Stöggl et al, 2010) and may benefi t from a different nutritional approach.…”

“…While earlier data showed a 35-40% prevalence of iron defi ciency and depletion (Meyer & Parker-Simmons, 2009), more recent data on blood profi les in skiers ( alpine and cross-country) show rising hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (Banfi et al, 2010;Morkeberg et al, 2009). Nevertheless, athletes should still be tested and adequate time to remedy low iron status should be provided, especially well ahead of altitude exposure (Stray-Gundersen et al, 1992).…”