Strength training improves double-poling performance after prolonged submaximal exercise in cross-country skiers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanical Analysis

Background:

• Cross-country skiing (XC) demands both endurance and strength.
• Optimizing training for double-poling (DP) performance is crucial for XC skiers.
• The role of superimposed vibration in strength training for endurance athletes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of adding strength training, with or without vibration, to endurance training on XC skiers' DP performance.
• To assess physiological and kinematic adaptations in response to combined training protocols.
• To determine the impact on strength, work economy, neural activation, and muscle oxygen saturation.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one well-trained male XC skiers participated in an 8-week training intervention.
• Groups included strength training with vibration, strength training without vibration, and endurance training only (CON).
• Performance was assessed via 1RM strength, prolonged submaximal DP test, and time to exhaustion (TTE) tests.

Main Results:

• Strength training (STR) significantly increased 1RM strength compared to CON.
• STR improved TTE following prolonged DP by 20% and TTE difference (TTE_diff) significantly compared to CON.
• Vibration did not provide additional benefits to strength or endurance gains.

Conclusions:

• Combined strength and endurance training (STR) enhances maximal strength and the ability to maintain DP performance after prolonged exercise.
• STR superiorly improves time to exhaustion and the capacity to sustain performance.
• Specific strength improvements positively impact endurance performance maintenance in XC skiers.