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Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 3/2010

01-10-2010 | Original Article

Analysis of sprint cross-country skiing using a differential global navigation satellite system

Authors: Erik Andersson, Matej Supej, Øyvind Sandbakk, Billy Sperlich, Thomas Stöggl, Hans-Christer Holmberg

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2010

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Abstract

The purpose was to examine skiing velocities, gear choice (G2–7) and cycle rates during a skating sprint time trial (STT) and their relationships to performance, as well as to examine relationships between aerobic power, body composition and maximal skiing velocity versus STT performance. Nine male elite cross-country skiers performed three tests on snow: (1) Maximum velocity test (V max) performed using G3 skating, (2) V max test performed using double poling (DP) technique and (3) a STT over 1,425 m. Additional measurements of VO2max during roller skiing and body composition using iDXA were made. Differential global navigation satellite system data were used for position and velocity and synchronized with video during STT. The STT encompassed a large velocity range (2.9–12.9 m s−1) and multiple transitions (21–34) between skiing gears. Skiing velocity in the uphill sections was related to gear selection between G2 and G3. STT performance was most strongly correlated to uphill time (r = 0.92, P < 0.05), the percentage use of G2 (r = −0.72, P < 0.05), and DP V max (r = −0.71, P < 0.05). The velocity decrease in the uphills from lap 1 to lap 2 was correlated with VO2max (r = −0.78, P < 0.05). V max in DP and G3 were related to percent of racing time using G3. In conclusion, the sprint skiing performance was mainly related to uphill performance, greater use of the G3 technique, and higher DP and G3 maximum velocities. Additionally, VO2max was related to the ability to maintain racing velocity in the uphills and lean body mass was related to starting velocity and DP maximal speed.
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Metadata
Title
Analysis of sprint cross-country skiing using a differential global navigation satellite system
Authors
Erik Andersson
Matej Supej
Øyvind Sandbakk
Billy Sperlich
Thomas Stöggl
Hans-Christer Holmberg
Publication date
01-10-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1535-2

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