The effects of strength training versus ski-ergometer training on double-poling capacity of elite junior cross-country skiers

Abstract

PurposeTo compare the effects of strength training versus ski-ergometer training on double-poling gross efficiency (GE), maximal speed (V max), peak oxygen uptake () for elite male and female junior cross-country skiers.MethodsThirty-three elite junior cross-country skiers completed a 6-week training-intervention period with two additional 40-min training sessions per week. The participants were matched in pairs and within each pair randomly assigned to either a strength-training group (STR) or a ski-ergometer-training group (ERG). Before and after the intervention, the participants completed three treadmill roller-skiing tests to determine GE, V max, and . Mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to evaluate differences between and within groups. Paired samples t tests were used as post hoc tests to investigate within-group differences.ResultsBoth groups improved their V max and expressed absolutely (all P < 0.01). For the gender-specific sub-groups, it was found that the female skiers in both groups improved both V max and expressed absolutely (all P < 0.05), whereas the only within-group differences found for the men were improvements of V max in the STR group. No between-group differences were found for any of the investigated variables.ConclusionsPhysiological and performance-related variables of importance for skiers were improved for both training regimes. The results demonstrate that the female skiers’ physiological adaptations to training, in general, were greater than those of the men. The magnitude of the physiological adaptations was similar for both training regimes.

Talent Development in Young Cross-Country Skiers: Longitudinal Analysis of Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics

“…This was also confirmed for adolescent male XC skiers (Rusko, 1987(Rusko, , 1992. On the other hand, the significant increase in mass-scaled V'O 2 MAX here observed in female athletes during the late teenage period is sustained by two previous studies indicating a substantial increase in sport-specific V'O 2 peak as a consequence of various training interventions between 16 and 19 years old (Skattebo et al, 2016;Carlsson et al, 2017). Altogether, these data suggest greater adaptations for maximal physiological values in female than in male XC skiers during the late teenage period, presumably due to a different training level at their starting point.…”

“…Sparse literature describes longitudinal development of physiological parameters related to exercise performance during adolescence (Bragada et al, 2010 ). When considering previous training studies on junior XC skiers, some investigations showed no changes in skiing economy as a consequence of different training regimes in athletes of this age (Skattebo et al, 2016 ; Carlsson et al, 2017 ), while other did (Hoff et al, 1999 , 2002 ).…”

Developments in the Biomechanics and Equipment of Olympic Cross-Country Skiers

“…Today’s XC elite skiers perform more sport-specific training than previously, systematically incorporating roller skiing, as well as training of strength, power, and speed into their routines ( Sandbakk, 2017 ; Sandbakk and Holmberg, 2017 ). Moreover, ski ergometers for upper-body training ( Carlsson et al, 2017 ) and computerized simulation of specific course profiles on treadmills ( Swarén et al, 2013a ) are utilized by the best elite skiers.…”

The relationship between peak fat oxidation and prolonged double‐poling endurance exercise performance

“…In CC-skiing, the importance of the double-poling technique (DP) has been highlighted as a consequence of increasing racing speeds over the years, which has led to an increased focus on upper body strength and endurance training. [20][21][22][23][24][25] At low exercise intensities, DP is considered predominantly upper body exercise as the muscles around the shoulder and elbow joint, as well as the hip flexors, are the main effector muscles. 26 However, with increasing work load the leg muscles are highly activated and contribute significantly to the total energy expenditure and propulsive force production through vertical displacement of the center of mass.…”

“…In CC‐skiing, the importance of the double‐poling technique (DP) has been highlighted as a consequence of increasing racing speeds over the years, which has led to an increased focus on upper body strength and endurance training 20‐25 . At low exercise intensities, DP is considered predominantly upper body exercise as the muscles around the shoulder and elbow joint, as well as the hip flexors, are the main effector muscles 26 .…”