Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of increased loading of the roller ski on metabolic cost, gross efficiency, and kinematics of roller ski skating in steep and moderate terrain, while employing two incline-specific techniques. Ten nationally ranked male cross-country skiers were subjected to four 7-minute submaximal intervals, with 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kg added beneath the roller-ski in a randomized order. This was done on two separate days, with the G2 skating at 12% incline and 7 km/h speed and G3 skating at 5% incline and 14 km/h speed, respectively. At 12% incline, there was a significant increase in metabolic rate and a decrease in gross efficiency with added weight (P<0.001 and P = 0.002). At 5% incline, no change in metabolic rate or gross efficiency was found (P = 0.89 and P = 0.11). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) increased gradually with added weight at both inclines (P>0.05). No changes in cycle characteristics were observed between the different ski loadings at either incline, although the lateral and vertical displacements of the foot/skis were slightly altered at 12% incline with added weight. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that increased loading of the ski increases the metabolic cost and reduces gross efficiency during steep uphill roller skiing in G2 skating, whereas no significant effect was revealed when skating on relatively flat terrain in G3. Cycle characteristics remained unchanged across conditions at both inclines, whereas small adjustments in the displacement of the foot coincided with the efficiency changes in uphill terrain. The increased RPE values with added ski-weight at both inclines indicates that other factors than those measured here could have influenced effort and/or fatigue when lifting a heavier ski.
Highlights
Cross-country skiing is performed on varying terrain while employing different sub-techniques of the classical or skating styles
Though oxygen uptake increased as an effect of loading, the gross efficiency may remain constant if the changes in work rate due to added weight coincides with the changes in metabolic rate
When roller skiing on 12% incline with the G2 skating technique, we found an increase in metabolic rate and decreased gross efficiency with added distal weight, whereas in G3 skating at 5% incline no changes occurred
Summary
Cross-country skiing is performed on varying terrain while employing different sub-techniques of the classical or skating styles. In both cases, approximately 50% of the total time is spent racing uphill where skiers perform more work for a given metabolic cost [1,2,3]. If all other factors are kept constant, the weight of cross-country skiing equipment would discernibly influence the metabolic cost of skiing and performance, in particular on uphill terrain where any additional weight will require extra work against gravity to be done [9]. Though oxygen uptake increased as an effect of loading, the gross efficiency may remain constant if the changes in work rate due to added weight coincides with the changes in metabolic rate
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