Abstract
PurposeIn elite cross-country skiing, double poling is used in different terrain. This study compared O2-cost and kinematics during double poling with four different pole lengths [self-selected (SS), SS − 5 cm, SS + 5 cm, SS + 10 cm] at Low versus Moderate incline.MethodsThirteen highly trained male cross-country skiers (mean ± SD 23 ± 3 years; 182 ± 4 cm; 77 ± 6 kg) completed eight submaximal trials with roller skis on a treadmill at two conditions: “Low incline” (1.7°; 4.5 m s−1) and “Moderate incline” (4.5°; 2.5 m s−1) with each of the four pole lengths. O2-cost and 3D body kinematics were assessed in each trial.ResultsIn Low incline, SS + 10 cm induced a lower O2-cost than all the other pole lengths [P < 0.05; effect size (ES) 0.5–0.8], whereas no differences were found between the remaining pole lengths (P > 0.05; ES 0.2–0.4). In Moderate incline, significant differences between all pole lengths were found for O2-cost, with SS − 5 cm > SS > SS + 5 cm > SS + 10 cm (P < 0.05; ES 0.6–1.8). The relative differences in O2-cost between SS and the other pole lengths were greater in Moderate incline than Low incline (SS − 5 cm; 1.5%, ES 0.8, SS + 5 cm; 1.3%, ES 1.0, and SS + 10 cm; 1.9%, ES 1.0, all P < 0.05). No difference was found in cycle, poling or reposition times between pole lengths. However, at both conditions a smaller total vertical displacement of center of mass was observed with SS + 10 cm compared to the other pole lengths.ConclusionIncreasing pole length from SS − 5 cm to SS + 10 cm during double poling induced lower O2-cost and this advantage was greater in Moderate compared to Low incline.
Highlights
IntroductionIn classical cross-country skiing, double poling (DP) and diagonal stride (DIA) are the most frequent used sub-techniques in competitions
In classical cross-country skiing, double poling (DP) and diagonal stride (DIA) are the most frequent used sub-techniques in competitions. These sub-techniques are considered as a gearing system (Pellegrini et al 2013), where DP traditionally was used in flat terrain and DIA preferred in uphills
The main findings were that increasing pole length from SS − 5 cm to SS + 10 cm (I) induced a lower O2-cost, (II) with a greater advantage in Moderate incline compared to Low incline and (III) resulted in a more upright posture with reduced total displacement of COMz during the DP cycle
Summary
In classical cross-country skiing, double poling (DP) and diagonal stride (DIA) are the most frequent used sub-techniques in competitions These sub-techniques are considered as a gearing system (Pellegrini et al 2013), where DP traditionally was used in flat terrain and DIA preferred in uphills. Skiers have developed the technique and upper-body endurance and strength to use DP during Moderate to steep uphill skiing These sections are of special importance since ~ 50% of the total race time is spent in uphill terrain and is the major determinant of the overall performance during time trials (Andersson et al 2010; Bolger et al 2015; Sandbakk et al 2016). Previous studies have exclusively investigated the influence of pole length in flat or slightly inclined terrain, i.e., < 2.5° (Hansen and Losnegard 2010; Hoffman et al 1994; Losnegard et al 2017; Nilsson et al 2003, Onasch et al 2016) and little is known about how pole length influences performance or performance-related mechanisms on steeper inclines
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