Physiological determinants of cross-country ski racing performance

Purpose: Previous laboratory testing has identified the importance of upper -body aerobic and anaerobic power to cross-country skiing performance. The purpose of this investigation was to extend laboratory research into a fiel d setting to identify predictors of performance through ski-specific testin g. Methods: Thirteen male collegiate skiers per-formed three field-testing sessions on roller skis to establish lactate threshold (LT) and ski economy (ECON) and maximal oxygen uptake (SK (V) over dot O-2max) and a 1-km doubl e-pole time trial (UBTT) to determine peak upper-body oxygen uptake (UB (V) over dot O-2. As a measure of skiing performance, the subjects performed a 10-km skating time trial (TT) and were ranked according to competitive sea son performance (RANK). Results: Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were f ound between SK (V) over dot O-2max, LT (V) over dot O-2, UB (V) over dot O -2, and RANK (r = -0.66 to -0.84) and TT time (r = -0.74 to -0.79), as well as ECON to RANK (r = 0.57) and TT time (r = 0.68). Time to complete the UB TT (UB time) exhibited the Strongest correlation to both RANK (r = 0.95) an d TT time (r = 0.92). Multiple regression analyses revealed that UB time wa s the best predictor of RANK and TT time, as demonstrated by the significan t beta values (0.77, P < 0.001, and 0.79, P < 0.001, respectively). The imp ortance of the UB component was further seen in that UB time was still the best predictor of performance when the subjects were divided into two disti nct groups of greater and lesser competitive ability. Conclusions: These fi ndings identify the importance of the upper body component to cross-country skiing performance, suggesting a need to focus on upper-body conditioning within a well-rounded endurance training program. Additionally. the UBTT ex hibits potential as a simple field test to predict cross-country skiing per formance over more sophisticated and costly laboratory and field testing.