Seasonal deterioration of selected physiological variables in elite male skiers

The purpose of this study was to determine whether seasonal deterioration in physiological variables could be observed in skiers. Eighteen international male British downhill, free-style, and speed skiers were subjected to a maximal treadmill running test, a 30-s Wingate test, and isokinetic dynamometry at the beginning, middle, and end of the 1989-90 competition season. Maximal oxygen intake (VO2max) and respiratory anaerobic threshold (T vent) were among the parameters measured on the treadmill test, while peak and mean power outputs were measured during the Wingate test. During dynamometry, knee flexors and extensors were bilaterally assessed at 1.04 and 3.14 rad.s-1. Mean VO2max (p < 0.01) and mean T vent (p < 0.05) were lower at the end compared to the beginning, but not compared to the middle of the competition season. The isokinetic test demonstrated lower mean peak torques at 1.04 rad.s-1, for the knee extensors measured at the end of the season, compared with both the start (p < 0.01) and the middle (p < 0.05). Also at 1.04 rad.s-1, knee flexors produced lower torques at the end than the start of the season (p < 0.05). No further statistical differences were found. It was concluded that seasonal deterioration in key physiological variables such as aerobic endurance and muscle strength, can be observed in elite alpine skiers, and that in-season fitness training programmes should take account of this.