Responses to training in cross-country skiers

Purpose: This study evaluated whether cross-country skiers who did not resp ond positively to a training program consisting of high volume and low inte nsity would improve if high-intensity training volume was doubled during a subsequent training year. Methods: During the first year of the study, cros s-country skiers (N = 14) were evaluated for (V)over dot O-2max, (V)over do tO(2threshold), lactate response, max arm power, and competitive results af ter a standard training program. During the second year, the athletes were divided into a control group (athletes who had responded well to the traini ng) and a treatment group (athletes who had responded poorly to the trainin g). The control group (N = 7) repeated the previous year's training program . The treatment group (N = 7) was given a modified training program which i ncreased high-intensity training time as a percentage of total training fro m < 17% to > 35% and decreased low-intensity training volume 22%. Results: The treatment group, using the high-intensity training program, demonstrate d significantly improved (V)over dot O-2max, (V)over dotO(2threshold), max arm power, and competitive results (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Increased volum e of high-intensity training may improve competitive results in cross-count ry skiers who fail to respond to increased volume of low-intensity training .