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Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 4/2009

01-03-2009 | Original Article

Physiologic responses of older recreational alpine skiers to different skiing modes

Authors: Peter Scheiber, Sabine Krautgasser, Serge P. von Duvillard, Erich Müller

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 4/2009

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Abstract

We measured physiological variables in nine older recreational skiers (62.6 ± 5.1 years) who completed a maximal cycle ergometry test and four different skiing modes via ski instructor-guided skiing at moderate altitude. During testing, we measured heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), blood lactate concentration (LA), blood pressure (BP) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The mean values in the laboratory were: HRmax 167 ± 7.9 bpm, VO2peak of 35.7 ± 5.1 ml kg−1 min−1, LAmax 8.9 ± 2.4 mmol l−1 and BP of 228/91 mmHg. The average values of field compared to laboratory test ranged from 48 to 94% of HRmax, VO2 of 22–66% of VO2peak, LA of 0.7–6.0 mmol l−1, RPE during on-snow was 6–17, while BP remained at submaximal level during field tests. Weak correlation was found between laboratory and field tests. Our results suggest that aerobic metabolism predominates on flat and low intensity steep slopes and transitions to anaerobic metabolism on steeper high intensity runs.
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Metadata
Title
Physiologic responses of older recreational alpine skiers to different skiing modes
Authors
Peter Scheiber
Sabine Krautgasser
Serge P. von Duvillard
Erich Müller
Publication date
01-03-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0934-0

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