Effects of technique and pole grip on physiological demands of roller skiing on level terrain

This study evaluated the physiological responses to roller skiing with three different techniques, and compared the physiological responses during roller skiing with a standard pole grip and an innovative "anatomical" pole grip. Data were collected on ten experienced cross-country ski racers while roller skiing with the double pole, V1 skate, and kick double pole techniques on a flat track at mean (+/- SD) velocities of 14.6 +/- 0.2, 16.4 +/- 0.3, and 18.0 +/- 0.4 km.h-1. The kick double pole technique induced the highest (p less than 0.05) oxygen uptakes, heart rates, and ventilations. The double pole technique elicited the lowest (p less than 0.05) oxygen uptakes, and the V1 skate technique elicited the lowest (p less than 0.05) perceived effort and respiratory exchange ratios. Comparison of the two pole grips showed no differences in the physiological responses and perceived effort. While the V1 skate technique is not the most economical roller skiing technique on flat ground, the lower associated perceived effort and respiratory exchange ratios may at least partially account for the general preference of cross-country ski racers to use the V1 skating technique rather than the double pole technique on flat terrain.