title: Physiologic responses of older recreational alpine skiers to different skiing modes.
abstract: We measured physiological variables in nine older recreational skiers (62.6 +/- 5.1 years) who completed a maximal cycle ergometry test and four different skiing modes via ski instructor-guided skiing at moderate altitude. During testing, we measured heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO(2)), blood lactate concentration (LA), blood pressure (BP) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The mean values in the laboratory were: HR(max) 167 +/- 7.9 bpm, VO(2peak) of 35.7 +/- 5.1 ml kg(-1) min(-1), LA(max) 8.9 +/- 2.4 mmol l(-1) and BP of 228/91 mmHg. The average values of field compared to laboratory test ranged from 48 to 94% of HR(max), VO(2) of 22-66% of VO(2peak), LA of 0.7-6.0 mmol l(-1), RPE during on-snow was 6-17, while BP remained at submaximal level during field tests. Weak correlation was found between laboratory and field tests. Our results suggest that aerobic metabolism predominates on flat and low intensity steep slopes and transitions to anaerobic metabolism on steeper high intensity runs.
authors.affiliation: Christian Doppler Laboratory, Biomechanics in Skiing, Department of Sport Science and Kinesiology, University of Salzburg, Rifer Schlossallee 49, 5400 Hallein-Rif, Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Scheiber
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Krautgasser
authors.forename: Serge P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: von Duvillard
authors.forename: Erich
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000531:Altitude; D016552:Ergometry; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D012865:Skiing / Q000502:physiology*; D012914:Snow