Energy cost of different skating techniques in cross-country skiing

Abstract

The aims of this study were to compare the aerobic energy cost of four 'on-snow' skating techniques in cross-country skiing and to examine the relationships between performance and aerobic energy cost. Twelve male skiers from recreational to national standard performed four level skating trials of 6 min duration in random order, each at the same submaximal velocity but with a different skating technique: (1) 'offset' (V1), using a double asymmetrical and asynchronous pole plant as weight is transferred to one ski; (2) 'two-skate' (V2A), where the pole plant is symmetrical; (3) 'one-skate' (V2), where there is a pole plant as weight is transferred to each ski; and (4) 'conventional', without poles. Oxygen uptake (VO2), pulmonary ventilation, the respiratory exchange ratio and heart rate were measured using a K4(b2) portable gas analyser. The aerobic energy cost (VO2/mean speed) and heart rate were higher (P < 0.05) in the one-skate than in the offset condition. This may be explained by the greater and more efficient use of the upper body and the lower variation in centre of gravity velocity in the offset condition. The aerobic energy cost was 5-9% higher (P < 0.01) in the conventional than in the other techniques, probably because of the shorter duration of propulsive forces within a cycle in the conventional skating condition. Moreover, in ski skating, the mechanical efficiency (propulsive forces/total forces) was shown to be higher in the upper than in the lower limbs. The correlation coefficient between performance and aerobic energy cost was significant in the two-skate (r = 0.68, P = 0.02), one-skate (r = 0.72, P = 0.01) and conventional (r = 0.62, P = 0.04) conditions, but not in the offset condition (r = 0.50, P = 0.10). Our results stress the importance of the upper body component in cross-country skiing and that the aerobic energy cost discriminates between skiers of different standards.

Ski skating technique and physiological responses across slopes and speeds

“…One of the first investigations to measure and compare VO 2 between skating techniques was done by which was carried out on level snow terrain and compared physiological responses elicited by classical, marathon skate, and V1 skate techniques. In that study, the skating techniques induced similar VO 2 and HR Millet et al (2003) compared V1, V2, V2A, and free skating without poles on level snow terrain and reported a significantly lower energy cost for V1 technique compared to V2. Under the conditions of that study, V2 had no advantage compared to V1 with reference to VO 2 .…”

“…From the regression equations, the horizontal intercepts were determined. These ''crossover points'' at 4-5 degrees, separate where it was relatively advantageous to use V2 from slopes where it was advantageous to use V1 skating technique skating technique comparisons of physiological responses (e.g., Bilodeau et al 1991;Boulay et al 1994;Millet et al 2003). Thus, little evidence exists providing a physiological basis for technique selection for skating on diverse terrain.…”

“…V1 showed slightly lower values for HR on the two steepest slopes compared to V2. Millet et al (2003) found the HR responses to be significantly lower for V1 compared to V2 on level terrain on snow.…”

Effect of Aerobic High-Intensity Interval Training on VO2max and Anaerobic Power in Cross-Country Skiers

“…With the advent of the skating technique, the importance of upper body anaerobic capacity is stated by several studies [17,18]. Vesterinen et al [7] found that high-anaerobic capacity was linked to good performance in the first heats of sprint competition.…”

Roller-Ski Aerobic High-Intensity Interval Training Improves the VO2max and Anaerobic Power in Cross-Country Skiers

“…Parallel with earlier findings [12,15,19], it can be said that high-intensity aerobic interval training has significant effects on VO2max in crosscountry skiers. With the start of using the skating technique, importance of upper body anaerobic capacity stated by several studies [10,22]. Vesterinen et al [2009] [23], found that high-anaerobic capacity was linked to good performance in the first heats of sprint competition.…”