HISTOCHEMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS IN NORDIC COMBINATION ATHLETES

Bioptic samples from the vastus lateralis muscle were analyzed in a gr oup of Czechoslovak representatives in the Nordic combination (ski-jum ping and 15 km cross-country skiing). The distribution of individual m uscle fibre types (FG, FOG and SO) was detected and correlated with va lues obtained by motor and functional performance tests. Histochemical analysis of the bioptic samples revealed a considerably heterogeneous distribution of muscle fibre types in the group studied. No typical p rofilation for this sport discipline was found, Weak correlation betwe en the proportion of fast muscle fibres and explosive strength paramet ers was ascertained. The correlation between the proportion of slow mu scle fibres and the capacity of O-2 utilization (VO(2)max) was statist ically significant. Strong correlation between the proportion of fast twitch fibres and relative maximal strength of knee extensors (N/kg) w as disclosed. A non-linear relation between the area of fast twitch fi bres and vigour of take-off was found.