Meeting Fitness Norms For Aerobic And Anaerobic Capacity By CUSSA Alpine Racers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Over the past five years, the 20m pacer test (aerobic) and 40cm box jump test (anaerobic) have been used to estimate individual fitness capacities for alpine ski racing. PURPOSE: Recent normative data were used to determine if Central United States Ski Association (CUSSA) athletes meet these recommended levels of fitness. METHODS: Data were collected in Sept. 2008 on 50 junior alpine skiers ages 13-20. Among other tests, subjects performed a 20m pacer test to determine VO2max and a 60s 40cm box jump for anaerobic fitness. Current results were then compared to recommended levels established from the 4 previous years. RESULTS:Table 1 shows recommended values for each group along with mean values of each group for goal and actual aerobic capacity and 60s box jumps.TABLE 1: Goal vs. Actual Aerobic and Anaerobic ScoresValues in () failed to meet the minimum recommended level for each respective age group and/or test. Of the J3/4 girls (n=8), 7 failed to meet the goal level for each test. Seven of 8 J3/4 boys did not meet box jump goals. Several J1 girls and boys failed to meet predicted VO2 goals. CONCLUSIONS: Young CUSSA athletes (age 13-14), both girls and boys are lacking in anaerobic fitness to optimize their potential for success in alpine ski racing. Older CUSSA athletes (age 17-20) both girls and boys are lacking in aerobic fitness to optimize their chances for success. These data may help motivate athletes to improve their physiological profile in order to reach a more competitive level of fitness. These data could also help coaches identify athletes that are weak in an area and help them improve. The authors would like to acknowledge and thank Region 1 coaches and parent-volunteers who assisted with data collection.