Limitations to performance during alpine skiing
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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise
Published on: December 19, 2024
1School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK. R.Ferguson@lboro.ac.uk
Abstract:
Alpine skiing is characterized by high-intensity exercise of between 90 and 120 s duration that requires repeated phases of high-force isometric and eccentric contractions. The nature of these contractions, during which all fibre types are active, results in restricted blood flow to the working muscle, thereby reducing oxygen delivery and increasing metabolite accumulation. The consequence of this will be skeletal muscle fatigue, through both central and peripheral mechanisms, and a potential loss of motor control which will ultimately limit skiing performance.
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