In:
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, Human Kinetics, Vol. 15, No. 6 ( 2020-07-1), p. 884-891
Abstract:
Purpose : To investigate how self-selected pole length (PL) of ∼84% (PL 84% ) compared with ∼90% (PL 90% ) of body height influenced performance during a 700-m time trial with undulating terrain on snow. Methods : Twenty-one cross-country skiers, 7 of whom were women, performed 4 trials at a maximal effort in a counterbalanced fashion with PL 84% and PL 90% separated by 20-minute breaks between trials. In trials I and II, only double poling was allowed, while in trials III and IV, skiers used self-selected classical subtechniques. Continuous speed, cyclic parameters, and heart rate were collected using microsensors in addition to a post-time-trial rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results : The 700-m times with only double poling were significantly shorter with PL 90% than PL 84% (mean ± 95% confidence limits –1.6% ± 1.0%). Segment analyses showed higher speed with PL 90% in uphill sections than with PL 84% (3.7% ± 2.1%), with the greatest difference found for the female skiers (5.6% ± 2.9%). In contrast, on flat terrain at high skiing speeds, speed was reduced with PL 90% compared with PL 84% (–1.5% ± 1.4%); this was only significant for the male skiers. During free choice of classical subtechniques, PL did not influence performance in any segments, choice of subtechnique, or cycle rate during the trials. No differences in rating of perceived exertion or heart rate between PLs were found. Conclusions : PL 90% improved performance in uphills at low speeds when using double poling but hindered performance on flat terrain and at higher speeds compared with self-selected PLs. Choice of PL should, therefore, be based on racecourse topography, preferred subtechniques, and the skier’s physiological and technical abilities.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1555-0265
,
1555-0273
DOI:
10.1123/ijspp.2019-0310
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Human Kinetics
Publication Date:
2020
SSG:
31
