Responses to training in cross-country skiers.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated whether cross-country skiers who did not respond positively to a training program consisting of high volume and low intensity would improve if high-intensity training volume was doubled during a subsequent training year.


METHODS
During the first year of the study, cross-country skiers (N = 14) were evaluated for VO2max, VO2threshold, lactate response, max arm power, and competitive results after a standard training program. During the second year, the athletes were divided into a control group (athletes who had responded well to the training) and a treatment group (athletes who had responded poorly to the training). The control group (N = 7) repeated the previous year's training program. The treatment group (N = 7) was given a modified training program which increased high-intensity training time as a percentage of total training from < 17% to > 35% and decreased low-intensity training volume 22%.


RESULTS
The treatment group, using the high-intensity training program, demonstrated significantly improved VO2max, VO2threshold, max arm power, and competitive results (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Increased volume of high-intensity training may improve competitive results in cross-country skiers who fail to respond to increased volume of low-intensity training.
Gaskill
S E
SE
University of Montana, Department of Health and Human Performance, Missoula 59812, USA.
Serfass
R C
RC
Bacharach
D W
DW
Kelly
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D012865:Skiing / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis