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Ski skating technique and physiological responses across slopes and speeds
Bent Kvamme1, Vidar Jakobsen, Svein Hetland
1Norges idrettshøgskole, Laboratorium for bevegelsesanalyse, Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|July 9, 2005
Summary
The V2 ski skating technique is more physiologically demanding than the V1 technique on uphill terrain. Skiers may experience higher heart rate, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate levels when using V2 on moderate to steep slopes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The V2 ski skating technique is increasingly used on uphill terrain, traditionally dominated by the V1 technique.
- Understanding the physiological demands of different ski techniques is crucial for optimizing performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the physiological responses of skiers using V1 and V2 techniques during uphill roller-skiing.
- To determine the efficiency of V2 technique compared to V1 on varying uphill gradients and speeds.
Main Methods:
- Two parts of the study involved national-level skiers performing V1 and V2 techniques on an uphill treadmill.
- Physiological measures included heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO(2)), blood lactate (La), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).
- Tests were conducted across various slopes (3-8 degrees) and speeds (2.25-3.25 m/s).
Main Results:
- The V2 technique resulted in significantly higher physiological costs (HR, VO(2), La, RPE) compared to the V1 technique.
- These differences were more pronounced as the uphill slope increased.
- At constant slopes and across tested speeds, V2 remained more demanding than V1.
Conclusions:
- Using the V2 ski skating technique on moderate to steep uphill terrain is physiologically disadvantageous compared to the V1 technique.
- Skiers may experience elevated physiological strain when opting for V2 over V1 on challenging uphill sections.