Lactate response to uphill roller skiing: diagonal stride versus double pole techniques

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing Research

Background:

• Cross-country skiing utilizes various techniques, including double poling and diagonal stride, each with distinct physiological demands.
• Understanding the metabolic responses, specifically blood lactate accumulation, is crucial for optimizing training and performance in elite skiers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the blood lactate responses to roller skiing using double pole versus diagonal stride techniques.
• To investigate the influence of different grades (1.7% and 7.1%) on lactate accumulation during these skiing techniques.

Main Methods:

• Eight collegiate or national level cross-country ski racers performed roller skiing on a ski treadmill at various speeds and inclines.
• Measurements included whole blood lactate concentration, heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).

Main Results:

• Blood lactate concentrations were not significantly different between double poling and diagonal striding on a 1.7% grade.
• On a 7.1% grade, blood lactate concentrations were significantly higher during double poling compared to diagonal striding across all tested speeds.
• These differences were also observed when comparing double poling to diagonal striding at 70% of peak VO2, a heart rate of 145, and an RPE of 12 on the steeper grade.

Conclusions:

• Blood lactate concentrations do not provide a physiological basis for choosing between double poling and diagonal striding on low-grade terrain.
• Diagonal striding may offer a physiological advantage on steep grades due to lower blood lactate accumulation, potentially allowing for higher intensity or longer duration skiing.
• These findings have implications for technique selection in cross-country skiing, particularly in varying terrain conditions.