Physiological comparisons of cross-country skiing techniques

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Cross-country skiing involves various techniques, including diagonal stride, skating, and double poling.
• Previous research has explored the physiological responses to these different techniques, but a comprehensive comparison is ongoing.
• Understanding the relative demands is crucial for training and performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological demands of diagonal stride, skating, and double poling cross-country skiing techniques.
• To evaluate the economy and cardiorespiratory responses across different skiing styles on flat terrain.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing studies comparing physiological responses (heart rate, blood lactate, oxygen uptake, perceived exertion) across skiing techniques.
• Analysis of technique economy and race velocity data on flat terrain.

Main Results:

• Diagonal stride is the least economical technique on flat terrain, correlating with slower race velocities compared to skating.
• Despite differences in economy, heart rate, blood lactate, and perceived exertion at equivalent oxygen uptake are similar between diagonal stride and skating.
• Double poling is the most economical technique on flat terrain but is limited by greater anaerobic demands.

Conclusions:

• Cardiorespiratory training benefits are comparable between classical skiing (diagonal stride) and ski skating when performed at similar heart rates or perceived exertion levels.
• The choice of technique impacts economy and anaerobic contribution, influencing overall performance and training adaptations.
• Further research is needed to fully characterize the physiological demands of all cross-country skiing techniques.