Pole Length’s Influence on Performance During Classic-Style Snow Skiing in Well-Trained Cross-Country Skiers

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate how self-selected pole length (PL) of ∼84% (PL84%) compared with ∼90% (PL90%) of body height influenced performance during a 700-m time trial with undulating terrain on snow. Methods: Twenty-one cross-country skiers, 7 of whom were women, performed 4 trials at a maximal effort in a counterbalanced fashion with PL84% and PL90% separated by 20-minute breaks between trials. In trials I and II, only double poling was allowed, while in trials III and IV, skiers used self-selected classical subtechniques. Continuous speed, cyclic parameters, and heart rate were collected using microsensors in addition to a post-time-trial rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: The 700-m times with only double poling were significantly shorter with PL90% than PL84% (mean ± 95% confidence limits –1.6% ± 1.0%). Segment analyses showed higher speed with PL90% in uphill sections than with PL84% (3.7% ± 2.1%), with the greatest difference found for the female skiers (5.6% ± 2.9%). In contrast, on flat terrain at high skiing speeds, speed was reduced with PL90% compared with PL84% (–1.5% ± 1.4%); this was only significant for the male skiers. During free choice of classical subtechniques, PL did not influence performance in any segments, choice of subtechnique, or cycle rate during the trials. No differences in rating of perceived exertion or heart rate between PLs were found. Conclusions: PL90% improved performance in uphills at low speeds when using double poling but hindered performance on flat terrain and at higher speeds compared with self-selected PLs. Choice of PL should, therefore, be based on racecourse topography, preferred subtechniques, and the skier’s physiological and technical abilities.

Pole Length Influences Performance During On-Snow Skating in Female Cross-Country Skiers

“…While the superior improvement in the initial 200 m may be explained by faster acceleration, as previously shown for double poling in the studies by Hansen, Losnegard [8] and Losnegard et al [14], better section 3 performance was probably due to enhanced performance in the longest uphill section, where skiers reported more use of the G3 technique with longer poles. Since it is assumed that performance in G3 and double poling has clear similarities in the contribution of the upper body to forward propulsion [15], it is reasonable to assume that the improved uphill performance with longer poles in skating on snow found here would be explained by the same mechanisms as previously found in double poling on a treadmill [5,13,17,30]. Here, longer poles resulted in lower O 2 cost, which was associated with reduced vertical displacement of CoM and longer poling time.…”

“…Previously, the use of longer poles has been shown to increase skiing efficiency and performance in double poling [5,13,14,17] and in the G3 skating technique on roller skis [29]. Moreover, two previous studies showed positive effects of increased pole length on snow in the classical style [8,30]. Although there are indications from the abovementioned study on G3 roller ski skating [29] that increased pole length could be beneficial in skating, at least in some of the sub-techniques, this has not yet been examined while ski skating on snow.…”

“…However, this has been sparsely evaluated scientifically, and to our knowledge has not changed significantly since 1985. Longer poles have certainly not been systematically evaluated in female XC skiers despite the fact that longer pole lengths are now considered more effective in uphill roller ski skating on a treadmill [29] in double poling [5,17] but not in the other classical sub-techniques [30], which may indicate that a positive effect could also apply to skating. Trøen et al [30], however, included seven females in his studies of classic ski technique on snow and reported an even greater effect for females than males in double poling with longer poles.…”

“…Longer poles have certainly not been systematically evaluated in female XC skiers despite the fact that longer pole lengths are now considered more effective in uphill roller ski skating on a treadmill [29] in double poling [5,17] but not in the other classical sub-techniques [30], which may indicate that a positive effect could also apply to skating. Trøen et al [30], however, included seven females in his studies of classic ski technique on snow and reported an even greater effect for females than males in double poling with longer poles. However, the potential benefit of using longer poles in skating should be further explored on snow, including how pole length affects the skier's choice of different subtechniques across hilly terrain.…”

Digitalization of Cross‐Country Skiing Training Based on Multisensor Combination

“…the gap in monitoring methods; the gap in the psychological ability of the game; and the gap in the professional knowledge reserve of the coaches, all of which hinder the development of China's cross-country skiing project, so China's cross-country skiing project must work hard in these aspects to make a breakthrough. Practical problems [12] were solved. Recently, many sites have paid increasing attention to the application of 3D motion tracking and motion detection equipment [13].…”