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Related Experiment Videos

Sitting position affects performance in cross-country sit-skiing.

M Lund Ohlsson1, M S Laaksonen2

  • 1Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Science, Mid Sweden University, Hus D, 83125, Östersund, Sweden. marie.ohlsson@miun.se.

European Journal of Applied Physiology
|April 7, 2017
PubMed
Summary

The new knees lower than hips (KL) position in sit-skiing improves breathing but hinders performance. The traditional knees higher than hips (KH) position is better for power output in able-bodied athletes.

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Science
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Cross-country sit-skiing (XCSS) athletes with trunk control deficits often adopt a knees higher than hips (KH) posture, leading to spinal flexion.
  • A novel sledge with frontal trunk support was developed to promote a knees lower than hips (KL) position, aiming to improve spinal curvature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of the KL position on respiratory function and performance in seated double-poling compared to the KH position.
  • To evaluate the biomechanical and physiological responses to different sit-skiing postures.

Main Methods:

  • Ten able-bodied female cross-country skiers performed all-out, submaximal, and maximal tests in both KL and KH positions.
  • Measurements included external power, pole forces, electromyography, kinematics, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate concentrations.
Keywords:
BiomechanicsMetabolic rateOxygen uptakeRespiratory function

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Main Results:

  • The KL position reduced spinal flexion and hip range of motion, with increased triceps muscle activation.
  • Performance (W kg−1) was significantly lower in the KL position during both all-out and maximal tests.
  • The KH position resulted in lower lactate concentrations, anaerobic metabolic rate, and minute ventilation for equivalent power output.

Conclusions:

  • The KL position offers improved respiratory function but may compromise performance in able-bodied athletes.
  • Findings suggest the KL position might not be optimal for maximizing power output in XCSS.
  • Results provide a baseline for future studies involving para-athletes with trunk control limitations.