Physiological comparison of uphill roller skiing: diagonal stride versus double pole

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Cross-country skiing utilizes distinct techniques like double poling (DP) and diagonal stride (DS).
• Understanding the physiological demands of these techniques is crucial for training and performance optimization.
• Treadmill roller skiing provides a controlled environment to study these demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological responses, specifically oxygen uptake (VO2) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), between DP and DS techniques.
• To investigate how varying inclines (1.7% and 7.1%) affect the economy of these techniques.
• To examine the relationship between perceived exertion and objective physiological measures.

Main Methods:

• Eight elite cross-country ski racers performed treadmill roller skiing using DP and DS techniques.
• Measurements included oxygen uptake (VO2) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) at two different inclines.
• Analysis focused on comparing VO2 requirements, RPE, and percentages of peak VO2 between techniques and inclines.

Main Results:

• Oxygen uptake (VO2) was lower for DP at a 1.7% grade but similar at a 7.1% grade compared to DS.
• Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and %peak VO2 were similar at 1.7% grade, but lower for DS at 7.1% grade.
• A strong correlation (r=0.89) was found between RPE and %peak VO2, indicating perceived effort reflects physiological load.

Conclusions:

• The energetic economy of DP and DS techniques is significantly influenced by the incline.
• DP can be more economical than DS even when physiological effort (%peak VO2) is comparable.
• Perceived exertion serves as a reliable indicator of the physiological effort associated with both DP and DS techniques in cross-country skiing.