Evaluation of a specific test in cross-country skiing.
Six Danish male cross-country skiers were studied during the end-of-summer and winter seasons. Their maximal oxygen uptake was measured while running on a treadmill and using a ski ergometer incorporating the double-poling technique. Maximal oxygen uptake during treadmill running and double-poling was correlated with performance, expressed as a ranking score during 10 ski races. The tests were undertaken in September, December and April. Upper body maximal oxygen uptake increased 5.8% from September to December, decreasing to 2.3% above the September level in April. Upper body work output (2 min at maximal intensity) increased 11.8% from September to December (P less than 0.05). The relationship between upper body and leg maximal oxygen uptake--the upper body/leg ratio--was 89.4% in September. In four skiers, both treadmill and upper body tests were undertaken on each test occasion. The upper body/leg ratio changed from 87.7% in September to 95.7% in December. In April, the ratio was 91.0%. The maximal oxygen uptake measured using the ski ergometer during double-poling was significantly correlated with performance (P less than 0.05). It is concluded that the upper body ski ergometer can be used in the evaluation of elite cross-country skiers.
Mygind
E
E
College of Physical Education, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Larsson
B
B
Klausen
T
T
D000328:Adult; D003718:Denmark; D016552:Ergometry; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010807:Physical Endurance; D012621:Seasons; D012865:Skiing