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Cycle rate variations in roller ski skating: effects on oxygen uptake and poling forces
G Y Millet1, M D Hoffman, R B Candau
1Laboratoire des Sciences du Sport, UFR STAPS, Besançon, France.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|January 7, 1999
Summary
Skiers naturally choose the most economical cycle rate (CR) for roller skiing, as faster CRs significantly increase oxygen uptake (VO2). Moderate CR changes do not impact poling forces, indicating efficiency is key for metabolic cost.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Optimizing technique in cross-country skiing is crucial for performance.
- Understanding the metabolic cost and force production related to technique variations is essential for training.
- The V2-alternate technique is a common skating style in roller and cross-country skiing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how varying cycle rate (CR) affects metabolic cost and upper body forces during roller skiing.
- To determine the optimal CR for energy efficiency in the V2-alternate technique.
- To assess the impact of CR on propulsive force generation in roller skiing.
Main Methods:
- Nine elite cross-country skiers performed roller skiing at a consistent speed (18.0 km/h).
- Skiers used their preferred CR, a 10% slower CR, and a 20% faster CR.
- Oxygen uptake (VO2) and poling forces were measured during 4-minute trials.
Main Results:
- Oxygen uptake (VO2) significantly varied with CR, with the chosen CR being the most economical.
- No significant differences in poling forces or poling time were observed across different CRs.
- Metabolic cost increased with faster cycle rates.
Conclusions:
- Altering cycle rate significantly impacts the metabolic cost of roller ski skating.
- Skiers naturally select a cycle rate that minimizes metabolic cost (most economical).
- Moderate variations in cycle rate do not substantially affect propulsive force generation via poling.