PHYSIOLOGICAL-EFFECTS OF TECHNIQUE AND ROLLING RESISTANCE IN UPHILL ROLLER SKIING

Objective: The double pole technique (DP) has been shown to be more ec onomical than the Vi skate technique (V1) on flat terrain. The objecti ve of the present study was to compare these two techniques during uph ill roller skiing. In addition, the physiological effects of changing roller ski rolling resistance was examined for V1. Methods: Five femal e and five male competitive cross-country skiers roller skied 4-min bo uts on a 5.2% incline while physiological measurements were made. Resu lts: Oxygen uptake ((V) over dotO(2)) values averaged 8% greater (P = 0.0004) with V1, whereas rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentrations were higher (P less than or equal to 0.002) wit h DP. Doubling the dynamic friction coefficient of the roller skis, wh ich increased external power output by 16-17%, resulted in (V) over do tO(2) values with V1 that averaged 13% higher (P = 0.0006). This magni tude of change in roller ski rolling resistance did not cause a statis tical change in the relationship of (V) over dotO(2) with RPE. Conclus ions: These findings suggest that 1) grade has little effect on relati ve economies of DP and V1, possibly because of a lower effectiveness o f force application with V1 when going uphill, and 2) large difference s ip roller ski rolling resistance should have no effect on the cardio vascular training adaptations that result from uphill roller skiing wi th V1.