title: Endurance training and sprint performance in elite junior cross-country skiers.
abstract: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic characteristics and sprint skiing performance, and the effects of high-intensity endurance training on sprint skiing performance and aerobic characteristics. Ten male and 5 female elite junior cross-country skiers performed an 8-week intervention training period. The intervention group (IG, n = 7) increased the volume of high-intensity endurance training performed in level terrain, whereas the control group (CG, n = 8) continued their baseline training. Before and after the intervention period, the skiers were tested for 1.5-km time-trial performance on roller skis outdoors in the skating technique. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and oxygen uptake at the ventilatory threshold (VO₂VT) were measured during treadmill running. VO₂max and VO₂VT were closely related to sprint performance (r = ~0.75, both p < 0.008). The IG improved sprint performance, VO₂max, and VO₂VT from pre to posttesting and improved sprint performance and VO₂VT when compared to the CG (all p < 0.01). This study shows a close relationship between aerobic power and sprint performance in cross-country skiing and highlights the positive effects of high-intensity endurance training in level terrain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport and Physical Education, Nord-Trøndelag University College, Levanger, Norway. oyvind.sandbakk@svt.ntnu.no
authors.forename: Øyvind
authors.initials: Ø
authors.lastname: Sandbakk
authors.forename: Boye
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Welde
authors.forename: Hans-Christer
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Holmberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D054874:Athletic Performance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D012865:Skiing / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors