No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
Effects of exercise induced trunk fatigue on trunk strength and double poling performance in junior cross-country skiers.
Abstract
Introduction:
Double poling is one of the main sub-techniques in classical cross-country skiing and has gained increased scientific interest over the last two decades. In modern skiing competitions, double poling is more frequently used than previously and events such as sprint and mass start races are often decided while double poling in the final sprint (Sandbakk & Holmberg, 2014). The propulsion during double poling depends highly on the upper body, with the generated force being transferred through the ski poles. Hereby, the involved muscles are working in sequential order, with the trunk and hip flexors being activated first, followed by shoulder and elbow extensors (Holmberg, Lindinger, Stöggl, Eitzlmair, & Müller, 2005). The trunk segment of the body as part of this chain plays a crucial role in the power production during double poling (Hegge et al., 2015) and increased lean and muscle mass located in the trunk appears to be advantageous for reaching a high maximal speed in this technique (Stöggl, Enqvist, Müller, & Holmberg, 2010). In addition, hip flexion velocity is associated with double poling performance (Holmberg et al., 2005) and locomotor and respiratory movements in the corresponding trunk musculature are also closely linked in double poling (Lindinger & Holmberg, 2011). Exercise induced fatigue is a complex phenomenon, encompassing physiological, biomechanical and psychological elements (Seghers & Spaepen, 2004), being particularly important in the technical endurance sport of cross-country skiing (Stöggl, Lindinger, & Muller, 2007). Zory, Vuillerme, Pellegrini, Schena, & Rouard (2009) demonstrated lower peak speed as well as reduced hip flexion and hip flexion velocity during double poling in skiers, after the completion of several sprint races in the classical technique. Such intense whole body exercise is expected to fatigue many inter-related aspects influencing performance. The isolated effects of each component is less understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of fatigued trunk musculature on trunk strength and double poling performance in competitive cross-country skiers.
Methods:
16 male junior cross-country skiers (mean ± SD; age = 19.1 ± 2.6 years, body height = 177 ± 6 cm, body mass = 69 ± 7 kg, running VO2max = 62.2 ± 6.9 ml/kg/min) of regional to national level completed two identical pre- and post-tests on separate days in a randomized, controlled cross-over design. The pre- and post-test were separated by either a 25-min fatiguing exercise sequence targeting the ventral and dorsal core musculature, or a control condition consisting of 25 min rest. After a 10-min unspecific and a 5-min specific warm-up, the pre-test consisted of a maximal isometric trunk flexion and extension strength test on the IsoMed 2000 Back Module (D&R Ferstl GmbH) and a 3-min self-paced double poling performance test on a Concept2 Skierg (Concept2, Morrisville, VT, USA). The post-test procedure was identical except for a repeated warm-up, which was missing in the fatigue condition. Subjects were familiarized with the testing equipment and exercise protocols on a separate day prior to the experimental test days. For the 3-min test, power output and cycle rate were continuously recorded using a Microsoft ActiveX software component to extract data live into a spreadsheet (Excel, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA). Heart rate and respiratory variables were continuously measured during the test and blood lactate concentration was assessed prior and 1 min after the test. All data were checked for normality using a Shapiro-Wilk test and are presented as mean ± SD. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed. Potential interaction effects between fatigue condition and time were identified using a Bonferroni post-hoc test.
Results:
Isometric peak torque during trunk flexion decreased considerably from 141 ± 41 to 56 ± 20 Nm pre to post fatigue (mean difference: -85 Nm; 95% CI -104 to -66 Nm; p < 0.001) and remained nearly unchanged in the control condition (mean difference: 3.6 Nm; 95% CI -1.0 to -8.1 Nm; p = 0.12). Corresponding peak torque in extension decreased from 288 ± 78 to 256 ± 80 Nm (mean difference: -32 Nm; 95% CI -49 to -15 Nm; p < 0.001) and also did not relevantly change in the control condition (mean difference: -6.9 Nm; 95% CI -25 to 11 Nm; p = 0.42). Main outcomes for the 3-min double poling tests are shown in Table 1. Mean power output (p < 0.001), cycle rate (p < 0.001), peak oxygen uptake (p = 0.004) and peak ventilation (p < 0.001) decreased considerably from pre to post fatigue.
Discussion:
The acute fatiguing of the core musculature in junior cross-country skiers resulted in a substantial decrease in peak trunk flexion and extension torque (60 and 11%, respectively). This was accompanied by a 13% decrease in power production and reduced average cycle rate (10%), average work per cycle (4%), peak oxygen uptake (4%) and peak ventilation (7%) in the double poling test. Since the trunk plays an essential role in both the poling and repositioning phase, fatigued trunk muscles have potentially slowed down the cycle rate and decreased the work done in the poling phase. In addition, fatigued trunk musculature not only influenced performance characteristics in double poling, but had also an impact on physiological processes. For example, the relatively large decrease in peak oxygen uptake and peak ventilation caused by trunk fatigue in the current study may originate from weaker contractions in respiratory muscles during trunk flexion (poling phase) and the corresponding extension (recovery phase). This highlights the close tie between breathing and the execution of the movement in cross-country skiing, with potential implications for other whole-body endurance exercises as well. Further biomechanical analyses of muscle fatigue using surface electromyography in core muscles, could reveal changes in activation patterns during complex movements such as double poling.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
In this study the pacing strategy, cycle characteristics and choice of technique of elite male cross-country (XC) skiers during a three-lap, 15-km classical race with interval start were measured. During the Norwegian Championships in 2016, fast (n = 18, age: 26±4 yr; height: 182±4 cm; body mass: 78±3 kg (means±SD)) and slow skiers (n = 18, age: 22±2 yr; height: 183±5 cm; body mass: 78±6 kg) were video recorded on flat (0°), intermediate (3.5°) and uphill sections (7.1°) of the first and final laps. All skiers adopted a positive pacing strategy, skiing more slowly (11.8%) with shorter cycles (11.7%) on the final than first lap (both p<0.001; pη² = 0.93 and 0.87, respectively). The fast skiers were 7.0% faster overall (p<0.001, d = 4.20), and 6.1% (p<0.001, d = 3.32) and 7.0% (p<0.001, d = 3.68) faster on the first and final laps, respectively, compared to slower skiers. On all sections of both laps, the fast skiers exhibited 9.5% more rapid (pη² = 0.74) and 8.9% (pη² = 0.48) longer cycles (both p<0.001). On intermediate terrain, the fast skiers employed primarily double poling (DP, 38.9% on the first lap) and double poling with a kick (DPKICK, 50% on the final lap). In contrast, the slow skiers utilized for the most part DP alone (lap 1: 33.3%, lap 3: 38.9%) or in combination with other techniques (lap 1: 33.3%, lap 3: 38.9%) and decreased their usage of DPKICK from 27.8% on the first to 16.7% on the final lap. Skiing velocity on flat and intermediate terrain proved to be the best predictor of race performance (p<0.001). In conclusion, during a 15-km classical XC skiing race, velocity and cycle length decreased from the first to the final lap, most extensively on flat terrain and least uphill. Moreover, on the intermediate sections the fast and slow skiers chose to use different techniques.
Purpose:
To examine the metabolic responses and pacing strategies during the performance of successive sprint time trials (STTs) in cross-country skiing.
Methods:
Ten well-trained male cross-country skiers performed four self-paced 1300-m STTs on a treadmill, each separated by 45 min of recovery. The simulated STT course was divided into three flat (1°) sections (S1, S3 and S5) involving the double poling sub-technique interspersed with two uphill (7°) sections (S2 and S4) involving the diagonal stride sub-technique. Treadmill velocity and V˙O2 were monitored continuously and gross efficiency was used to estimate the anaerobic energy supply.
Results:
The individual trial-to-trial variability in STT performance time was 1.3%, where variations in O2 deficit and V˙O2 explained 69% (P < 0.05) and 11% (P > 0.05) of the variation in performance. The first and last STTs were equally fast (228 ± 10 s), and ~ 1.3% faster than the second and the third STTs (P < 0.05). These two fastest STTs were associated with a 14% greater O2 deficit (P < 0.05), while the average V˙O2 was similar during all four STTs (86 ± 3% of V˙O2max). Positive pacing was used throughout all STTs, with significantly less time spent on the first than second course half. In addition, metabolic rates were substantially higher (~_30%) for uphill than for flat skiing, indicating that pacing was regulated to the terrain.
Conclusions:
The fastest STTs were characterized primarily by a greater anaerobic energy production, which also explained 69% of the individual variation in performance. Moreover, the skiers employed positive pacing and a variable exercise intensity according to the course profile, yielding an irregular distribution of anaerobic energy production.
Background:
The importance of trunk muscle strength (TMS) for physical fitness and athletic performance has been demonstrated by studies reporting significant correlations between those capacities. However, evidence-based knowledge regarding the magnitude of correlations between TMS and proxies of physical fitness and athletic performance as well as potential effects of core strength training (CST) on TMS, physical fitness and athletic performance variables is currently lacking for trained individuals.
Objective:
The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to quantify associations between variables of TMS, physical fitness and athletic performance and effects of CST on these measures in healthy trained individuals.
Data sources:
PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus were systematically screened from January 1984 to March 2015.
Study eligibility criteria:
Studies were included that investigated healthy trained individuals aged 16-44 years and tested at least one measure of TMS, muscle strength, muscle power, balance, and/or athletic performance.
Study appraisal and synthesis methods:
Z-transformed Pearson's correlation coefficients between measures of TMS and physical performance were aggregated and back-transformed to r values. Further, to quantify the effects of CST, weighted standardized mean differences (SMDs) of TMS and physical performance were calculated using random effects models. The methodological quality of CST studies was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.
Results:
Small-sized relationships of TMS with physical performance measures (-0.05 ≤ r ≤ 0.18) were found in 15 correlation studies. Sixteen intervention studies revealed large effects of CST on measures of TMS (SMD = 1.07) but small-to-medium-sized effects on proxies of physical performance (0 ≤ SMD ≤ 0.71) compared with no training or regular training only. The methodological quality of CST studies was low (median PEDro score = 4).
Conclusions:
Our findings indicate that TMS plays only a minor role for physical fitness and athletic performance in trained individuals. In fact, CST appears to be an effective means to increase TMS and was associated with only limited gains in physical fitness and athletic performance measures when compared with no or only regular training.
Purpose:
To characterize gender differences in power output, energetic capacity and exercise efficiency during whole-body (WP), upper-body (UP), and arm poling (AP).
Methods:
Ten male and ten female elite cross-country skiers, matched for international performance level, completed three incremental submaximal tests and a 3-min self-paced performance test on a Concept2 SkiErg. Power output, cardiorespiratory and kinematic variables were monitored. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results:
The men demonstrated 87, 97 and 103 % higher power output, and 51, 65 and 71 % higher VO2peak (L min(-1)) than the women during WP, UP and AP, respectively, while utilizing ~10 % more of their running VO2max in all modes (all P < 0.001). The men had 35, 38 and 59 % more lean mass in the whole body, upper body and arms (all P < 0.001). The men exhibited greater shoulder and elbow extension at the start of poling and greater trunk flexion at the end of poling (all P < 0.05). The relationship between VO2 and power output did not differ between the men and women.
Conclusions:
Gender differences in power production and peak aerobic capacity increased sequentially from WP to UP to AP, coinciding with a greater portion of the muscle mass in the arms of the men. Although the men and women employed each poling technique differently, the estimated efficiency of double poling was independent of gender.
Non-local muscle fatigue (NLMF) is characterized by muscle performance impairments in a contralateral or remote non-exercised muscle(s) following a fatiguing protocol of a different muscle group(s). This topic is of interest as it affords insights into physiological determinants of muscle fatigue and may provide practical applications concerning the order of exercises in training and rehabilitation programs.
A literature review was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases to evaluate the NLMF effects and possible underlying mechanisms. Overall, 35 studies with 58 outcome measures that met the inclusion criteria were identified.
The literature is conflicting with approximately half of the studies reporting NLMF effects (32 of 58 measurements). However, on closer examination 76 % of outcome measures of the lower limbs reported NLMF effects (23 of 30 measurements) compared to only 32 % in the upper body (9 of 28 measurements). Thus, it appears that NLMF effects may be muscle group dependent. Also, tests that involve prolonged or repetitive contractions provide clearer evidence of NLMF. Other variables potentially influencing the size of the NLMF effect include the fatigued muscle groups, the protocols used to elicit the fatigue, gender and training background of participants.
While the NLMF literature is conflicting, certain variables appear to affect NLMF responses which can account for some of the discrepancies. Furthermore, the NLMF effects may be attributed to four different but interconnected pathways: neurological, biochemical, biomechanical and psychological.
To investigate the influence of prior high intensity double poling (DP) on physiological and biomechanical responses during subsequent diagonal stride (DIA).
Eight well-trained male cross-country skiers (age 22 ± 3 yr; VO2max 69 ± 3 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1)) roller-skied on a treadmill sequentially for 3 min at 90% DIA VO2max (DIA1), 3 min at 90% DP VO2peak and 3 min at 90% DIA VO2max (DIA2). Cardio-respiratory responses were monitored continuously and gases and metabolites in blood from the a. femoralis, v. femoralis and v. subclavia determined. Pole and plantar forces and EMG from 6 lower- and upper-body muscles were measured.
VO2 decreased from DIA1 to DP and increased again to DIA2 (both P < 0.05), with no difference between the DIA sessions. Blood lactate rose from DIA1 to DP to DIA2. O2 extraction was attenuated during DP (P < 0.05), but was the same during DIA1 and DIA2. EMGRMS for arm muscles during poling phase, as well as peak pole force and cycle rate were higher, while leg muscle activity was lower during DP than both sessions of DIA (all P < 0.05). The ratio of upper-/whole-body EMGRMS correlated negatively with O2 extraction in the arms during both sessions of DIA (P < 0.05).
In well-trained skiers skiing at high-intensity DP prior to DIA did not influence VO2, muscle activation or forces in the latter. At race intensity DP does not influence the distribution of work between upper- and lower-body during a subsequent bout of DIA. O2 extraction is coupled to technical skills during skiing.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of back extensor fatigue on performance measures and electromyographic (EMG) activity of leg and trunk muscles during jumping on stable and unstable surfaces.
Methods:
Before and after a modified Biering-Sorensen fatigue protocol for the back extensors, countermovement (CMJ) and lateral jumps (LJ) were performed on a force plate under stable and unstable (balance pad on the force plate) conditions. Performance measures for LJ (contact time) and CMJ height and leg and trunk muscles EMG activity were tested in 14 male experienced jumpers during 2 time intervals for CMJ (braking phase, push-off phase) and 5 intervals for LJ (-30 to 0, 0-30, 30-60, 60-90, and 90-120 ms) in non-fatigued and fatigued conditions.
Results:
A significant main effect of test (fatigue) (p = 0.007, f = 0.57) was observed for CMJ height. EMG analysis showed a significant fatigue-induced decrease in biceps femoris and gastrocnemius activity with CMJ (p = 0.008, f = 0.58 andp = 0.04, f = 0.422, respectively). LJ contact time was not affected by fatigue or surface interaction. EMG activity was significantly lower in the tibialis anterior with LJ following fatigue (p = 0.05, f = 0.405). A test x surface (p = 0.04, f = 0.438) interaction revealed that the non-fatigued unstable CMJ gastrocnemius EMG activity was lower than the non-fatigued stable condition during the onset-of-force phase.
Conclusion:
The findings revealed that fatiguing the trunk negatively impacts CMJ height and muscle activity during the performance of CMJs. However, skilled jumpers are not additionally affected by a moderately unstable surface as compared to a stable surface.
This study investigated the occurrence of core muscle fatigue during high-intensity running exercise and its limitation to exercise performance. A secondary aim was to investigate whether respiratory muscle work performed during intense running periods, would contribute to core muscle fatigue. Nine male recreational runners were recruited for two reasons; (1) to perform a continuous treadmill run at 85% VO2max with and without core muscle fatigue in the CR_F and CR trials, respectively; and (2) to mimic the treadmill run-induced respiratory response recorded in the CR trial while subjects were free of whole-body exercise (Mimic trial). The changes in global core muscle function with fatigue in this study were evaluated by performing a sport-specific endurance plank test (SEPT), and the associated influence on running performance was examined by comparing the time to exhaustion during the treadmill run between the CR and CR_F trials. Subsequent to the treadmill run in the CR trial, SEPT (255.7 ± 85.3 vs 177.3 ± 80.6 s) was reduced from baseline in all runners. The reduction correlated (r = 0.67) with the concomitant decline in inspiratory muscle function revealed by maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax: 151.3 ± 18.2 vs 133.3 ± 17.2 cmH2O, p < 0.05). In the Mimic trial, similar results in SEPT (212.3 ± 90.2 s), PImax (129.0 ± 26.7 cmH2O), and correlation (r = 0.77, p < 0.05) were observed following voluntary hyperpneic activity. With the preceded fatigued core muscle workout in the CR_F trial, the running capacity was impaired significantly (10.7 ± 4.5 vs 6.5 ± 2.0 min, p < 0.05). The impairment was correlated (r=0.72) to the SEPT reduction resulting from the workout. The results suggest that a high-intensity maximum run may induce core muscle fatigue in runners. The core muscle fatigue, which may be partly attributed to the corresponding respiratory work, may limit their running endurance. Inspiratory muscle function appears to be essential for core stabilization during the intense running. Key pointsA high-intensity maximum run may induce core muscle fatigue in runners. The core muscle fatigue, which may be partly attributed to the corresponding respiratory work, may limit their running endurance.In support of previous notion, inspiratory muscles may share the work of core stabilization during intense exercise, while simultaneously increasing the demand for breathing.Inspiratory muscle training incorporated into a running specific-core training regime potentially enhances the training effect on the core muscles in a functional manner to deal with the challenges faced during intense exercise.
In this study, changes in skiing performance and poling kinetics during a simulated cross-country sprint skiing competition were investigated. Twelve elite male cross-country skiers performed simulated sprint competition (4 x 1,150 m heat with 20 min recovery between the heats) using the double-poling technique. Vertical and horizontal pole forces and cycle characteristics were measured using a force plate system (20-m long) during the starting spurt, racing speed, and finishing spurt of each heat. Moreover, heat and 20-m phase velocities were determined. Vertical and horizontal pole impulses as well as mean cycle length were calculated. The velocities of heats decreased by 2.7 +/- 1.7% (p = 0.003) over the simulated competition. The 20-m spurting velocity decreased by 16 +/- 5% (p < 0.002) and poling time increased by 18 +/- 9% (p < 0.003) in spurt phases within heats. Vertical and horizontal poling impulses did not change significantly during the simulation; however, the mean forces decreased (p < 0.039) (vertical by 24 +/- 11% and horizontal by 20 +/- 10%) within heats but not between the heats. Decreased heat velocities over the simulated sprint and spurting velocities within heats indicated fatigue among the skiers. Fatigue was also manifested by decreased pole force production and increased poling time.
Cross-country skiing has been an Olympic event since the first Winter Games in Chamonix in 1924. Due to more effective training and tremendous improvements in equipment and track preparation, the speed of Olympic cross-country ski races has increased more than that of any other Olympic endurance sport. Moreover, pursuit, mass-start and sprint races have been introduced. Indeed, ten of the twelve current Olympic competitions in cross-country skiing involve mass-starts, in which tactics play a major role and the outcome is often decided in the final sprint. Accordingly, reappraisal of the success factors for performance in this context is required. The very high aerobic capacity (VO2max) of many of today's world-class skiers is similar that of their predecessors. At the same time, the new events provide more opportunities to profit from anaerobic capacity, upper-body power, high-speed techniques and "tactical flexibility". The wide range of speeds and slopes involved in cross-country skiing require skiers to continuously alternate between and adapt different sub-techniques during a race. This technical complexity places a premium on efficiency. The relative amounts of endurance training performed at different levels of intensity have remained essentially constant during the past four decades. However, in preparation for the Sochi Olympics in 2014 cross-country skiers are performing more endurance training on roller skis on competition-specific terrain, placing greater focus on upper-body power and more systematically perform strength training and skiing at high speeds than previously.
This study investigated changes in technique and efficiency after high-intensity exercise to exhaustion in elite cross-country skiers. Twelve elite male skiers completed 4-minute submaximal exercise pre and post a high-intensity incremental test to exhaustion in the G3 skating technique on a 5% inclined roller ski treadmill. Kinematics and kinetics were monitored by instrumented roller skis, work rate was calculated as power against roller friction and gravity, aerobic metabolic cost was determined from gas exchange and blood lactate values indicated the anaerobic contribution. Gross efficiency was the work rate divided by aerobic metabolic rate. A recovery period of 10 minutes between the incremental test and the post-test was included to allow the metabolic values to return to baseline. Changes in neuromuscular fatigue in upper and lower limbs before and after the incremental test were indicated by peak power in concentric bench press and squat jump height. From pre- to post-test, cycle length decreased and cycle rate increased by approximately 5% (P<0.001), whereas the amount of ski forces did not change significantly. Oxygen uptake increased by 4%, and gross efficiency decreased from 15.5±0.7 to 15.2±0.5% from pre- to post-test (both P<0.02). Correspondingly, blood lactate concentration increased from 2.4±1.0 to 6.2±2.5 mmol·L-1 (P<0.001). Bench press and squat jump performances remained unaltered. Elite cross-country skiers demonstrated a less efficient technique and shorter cycle length during submaximal roller ski skating after high-intensity exercise. However, there were no changes in ski forces or peak power in upper and lower limbs that could explain these differences.
Besides neuro-mechanical constraints, chemical or metabolic stimuli have also been proposed to interfere with the coordination between respiratory and locomotor rhythms. In the light of the conflicting data observed in the literature, this study aimed to assess whether acute hypoxia modifies the degree of coordination between respiratory and locomotor rhythms during rowing exercises in order to investigate competitive interactions between neuro-mechanical (movement) and chemical (hypoxia) respiratory drives. Nine male healthy subjects performed one submaximal 6-min rowing exercise on a rowing ergometer in both normoxia (altitude: 304 m) and acute hypoxia (altitude: 2877 m). The exercise intensity was about 40 % and 35 % (for normoxia and hypoxia conditions, respectively) of the individual maximal power output measured during an incremental rowing test to volitional exhaustion carried out in normoxia. Metabolic rate and minute ventilation were continuously collected throughout exercise. Locomotor movement and breathing rhythms were continuously recorded and synchronized cycle-by-cycle. The degree of coordination was expressed as a percentage of breaths starting during the same phase of the locomotor cycle. For a same and a constant metabolic rate, acute hypoxia did not influence significantly the degree of coordination (mean ± SEM, normoxia: 20.0 ± 6.2 %, hypoxia: 21.3 ± 11.1 %, p > 0.05) while ventilation and breathing frequency were significantly greater in hypoxia. Our results may suggest that during rowing exercise at a moderate metabolic load, neuro-mechanical locomotion-linked respiratory stimuli appear "stronger" than peripheral chemoreceptors- linked respiratory stimuli induced by hypoxia, in the context of our study.
Muscle fatigue can influence the various mechanisms that regulate balance. Few studies have investigated the effects of trunk extensor muscle fatigue on postural control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of trunk extensor fatigue during a one-leg balance test in young and elderly adults, as well as to determine the time necessary to recover posture control after fatigue. A total of 36 subjects (18 elderly and 18 young adults) participated in the study. Subjects were tested on a force platform to assess the postural control parameters associated with center of pressure (COP) movements, before and after a fatiguing trunk extension-flexion exercise on a roman chair carried out to exhaustion. Post-fatigue effects and postural control recovery were investigated at different times in minutes (MIN): immediately post-fatigue (postIME), after 5 (rec5MIN), 10 (rec10MIN), and 20 min (rec20MIN). Elderly subjects had greater sway (P < 0.05) than young adults in all COP parameters. In both groups, there was an increase in postIME sway compared with pre-fatigue values for all COP parameters. However, the differences were significant only for the COP velocity parameter, with more pronounced effects in young adults that did not return to pre-fatigue values at the end of rec20MIN. The present study demonstrated a significant effect of trunk extensor muscle fatigue on postural control, which was more evident in young adults than in the elderly.
The purpose of the study was to examine the biomechanical-physiological effects of different frequencies using the double poling technique in cross-country skiing. Nine elite skiers roller-skied using poling frequencies of 40, 60 and 80 cycles·min(-1) (Pf(40,) Pf(60), Pf(80)) at submaximal treadmill speeds (12, 18, 24 km·h(-1)). Cycle characteristics, pole forces, joint angles and physiological responses were measured. Comparing Pf(40) versus Pf(60) versus Pf(80) (all variables different at P < 0.05), absolute poling time decreased by up to 46%, as did absolute and relative (% cycle time) recovery times, at almost all speeds. Peak force, impulse of force and time to peak force decreased, whereas impact force increased with frequency at almost all speeds. Elbow ranges of motion and angular velocities, hip and knee angle maxima and flexion/extension ranges of motion per cycle decreased, whereas hip and knee angle minima, ranges of motion per minute and angular extension velocities during recovery phase all increased with frequency at nearly all speeds. Oxygen uptake and heart rate increased up to 13% (Pf(40-60) versus Pf(80)) at all speeds. Pulmonary ventilation increased most distinctly at the highest speed. Blood lactate was lowest at Pf(60) and highest at Pf(80) (J-shape curve) at 24 km·h(-1). Gross efficiency decreased with higher frequency at all speeds. These results demonstrate different biomechanical and physiological demands at different frequencies with the beneficial effects of lower poling frequencies at submaximal speeds. For training purposes, we suggest that cross-country skiers would benefit by training with different poling frequencies to vary their training load.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic characteristics and sprint skiing performance, and the effects of high-intensity endurance training on sprint skiing performance and aerobic characteristics. Ten male and 5 female elite junior cross-country skiers performed an 8-week intervention training period. The intervention group (IG, n = 7) increased the volume of high-intensity endurance training performed in level terrain, whereas the control group (CG, n = 8) continued their baseline training. Before and after the intervention period, the skiers were tested for 1.5-km time-trial performance on roller skis outdoors in the skating technique. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and oxygen uptake at the ventilatory threshold (VO₂VT) were measured during treadmill running. VO₂max and VO₂VT were closely related to sprint performance (r = ~0.75, both p < 0.008). The IG improved sprint performance, VO₂max, and VO₂VT from pre to posttesting and improved sprint performance and VO₂VT when compared to the CG (all p < 0.01). This study shows a close relationship between aerobic power and sprint performance in cross-country skiing and highlights the positive effects of high-intensity endurance training in level terrain.
Due to the complexity of movement in cross-country skiing (XCS), the muscle activation patterns are not well elucidated. Previous studies have applied surface electromyography (SEMG); however, recent gains in three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) have rendered an alternative approach to investigate muscle activation. The purpose of the present study was to examine muscle use during double poling (DP) at two work intensities by use of PET. Eight male subjects performed two 20-min DP bouts on separate days. Work intensity was ∼ 53 and 74% of peak oxygen uptake (Vo(2peak)), respectively. During exercise 188 ± 8 MBq of [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([(18)F]FDG) was injected, and subsequent to exercise a full-body PET scan was conducted. Regions of interest (ROI) were defined within 15 relevant muscles, and a glucose uptake index (GUI) was determined for all ROIs. The muscles that span the shoulder and elbow joints, the abdominal muscles, and hip flexors displayed the greatest GUI during DP. Glucose uptake did not increase significantly from low to high intensity in most upper body muscles; however, an increased GUI (P < 0.05) was seen for the knee flexor (27%) and extensor muscles (16%), and for abdominal muscles (21%). The present data confirm previous findings that muscles of the upper limb are the primary working muscles in DP. The present data further suggest that when exercise intensity increases, the muscles that span the lumbar spine, hip, and knee joints contribute increasingly. Finally, PET provides a promising alternative or supplement to existing methods to assess muscle activation in complex human movements.
The purpose was to examine skiing velocities, gear choice (G2-7) and cycle rates during a skating sprint time trial (STT) and their relationships to performance, as well as to examine relationships between aerobic power, body composition and maximal skiing velocity versus STT performance. Nine male elite cross-country skiers performed three tests on snow: (1) Maximum velocity test (V (max)) performed using G3 skating, (2) V (max) test performed using double poling (DP) technique and (3) a STT over 1,425 m. Additional measurements of VO(2max) during roller skiing and body composition using iDXA were made. Differential global navigation satellite system data were used for position and velocity and synchronized with video during STT. The STT encompassed a large velocity range (2.9-12.9 m s(-1)) and multiple transitions (21-34) between skiing gears. Skiing velocity in the uphill sections was related to gear selection between G2 and G3. STT performance was most strongly correlated to uphill time (r = 0.92, P < 0.05), the percentage use of G2 (r = -0.72, P < 0.05), and DP V (max) (r = -0.71, P < 0.05). The velocity decrease in the uphills from lap 1 to lap 2 was correlated with VO(2max) (r = -0.78, P < 0.05). V (max) in DP and G3 were related to percent of racing time using G3. In conclusion, the sprint skiing performance was mainly related to uphill performance, greater use of the G3 technique, and higher DP and G3 maximum velocities. Additionally, VO(2max) was related to the ability to maintain racing velocity in the uphills and lean body mass was related to starting velocity and DP maximal speed.
In modern sprint cross-country skiing, strength and maximal speed are major determinants of performance. The aims of this study were to ascertain the anthropometric characteristics of world-class sprint skiers and to evaluate whether a specific body composition and/or body dimension characterizes a successful sprint skier. Our hypothesis was that body height and lean body mass are related to peak speed in double poling and diagonal stride. Fourteen male national and international elite skiers performed two peak speed tests in double poling and diagonal stride roller skiing on a treadmill and were analysed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine body composition and body dimensions. Relative pole length was positively correlated with both techniques (double poling: r = 0.77, P < 0.01; diagonal stride: r = 0.60, P < 0.05) and was the only variable that was part of the multiple regression model for both double poling and diagonal stride peak speed. Body height was not correlated with any technique, whereas lean trunk mass (r = 0.75, P < 0.01), body mass index (r = 0.66, P < 0.01), total lean mass (r = 0.69, P < 0.01), and body mass (r = 0.57, P < 0.05) were positively related to double poling peak speed. Total lean mass (absolute: r = 0.58, P < 0.05; relative: r = 0.76, P < 0.001) and relative lean mass of the trunk, arms (both r = 0.72, P < 0.01), and legs (r = 0.54, P < 0.05) were positively related to diagonal stride peak speed. In conclusion, skiers should aim to achieve a body composition with a high percentage of lean mass and low fat mass. A focus on trunk mass through increased muscle mass appears to be important, especially for double poling. The use of longer poles (percent body height) seems to be advantageous for both double poling and diagonal stride peak speed, whereas body dimensions do not appear to be a predictive factor.
The aim of this study was to assess fatigue during a simulated cross-country skiing sprint competition based on skating technique. Sixteen male skiers performed a 30-m maximal skiing speed test and four 850-m heats with roller skies on a tartan track, separated by 20 min recovery between heats. Physiological variables (heart rate, blood lactate concentration, oxygen consumption), skiing velocity, and electromyography (EMG) were recorded at the beginning of the heats and at the end of each 200-m lap during the heats. Maximal skiing velocity and EMG were measured in the speed test before the simulation. No differences were observed in skiing velocity, EMG or metabolic variables between the heats. The end (820-850 m) velocities and sum-iEMG of the triceps brachii and vastus lateralis in the four heats were significantly lower than the skiing velocity and sum-iEMG in the speed test. A significant correlation was observed between mean oxygen consumption and the change in skiing velocity over the four heats. Each single heat induced considerable neuromuscular fatigue, but recovery between the heats was long enough to prevent accumulation of fatigue. The results suggest that the skiers with a high aerobic power were less fatigued throughout the simulation.
Ventilation and locomotion coupling (entrainment) has been observed and described in rowers during incremental exercise protocols but not during simulated race conditions. The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine ventilation and locomotion entrainment on a breath-by-breath and stroke-by-stroke basis in varsity male rowers during a maximal 2,000-m ergometer test. Eight of eleven rowers entrained ventilation at integral multiples of stroke rate (1:1, 2:1, or 3:1) for at least 120 consecutive seconds, with a 2:1 entrainment pattern being most common. In all 2:1-entrained subjects, inspiration occurred at catch and finish and expiration occurred during the latter portions of drive and recovery. In entrained and unentrained breaths from all rowers, peak flow rates and tidal volumes varied depending on when the breath was initiated during the stroke cycle. Entrained rowers made use of these differences and breathed in a pattern by which they avoided initiating breaths that resulted in reduced tidal volumes. The present data indicated that ventilation was impaired at stroke finish and not at catch, as hypothesized by some previous researchers. Ventilation also appeared to be subordinate to consistent locomotive patterns under race conditions.
To further the understanding of double poling (DP) through biomechanical analysis of upper and lower body movements during DP in cross-country (XC) skiing at racing speed.
Eleven elite XC skiers performed DP at 85% of their maximal DP velocity (V85%) during roller skiing at 1 degrees inclination on a treadmill. Pole and plantar ground reaction forces, joint angles (elbow, hip, knee, and ankle), cycle characteristics, and electromyography (EMG) of upper and lower body muscles were analyzed.
1) Pole force pattern with initial impact force peak and the following active force peak (PPF) correlated to V85%, (r = 0.66, P < 0.05); 2) active flexion-extension pattern in elbow, hip, knee, and ankle joints with angle minima occurring around PPF, correlated to hip angle at pole plant (r = -0.89, P < 0.01), minimum elbow angle (r = -0.71), and relative poling time (r = -0.72, P < 0.05); 3) two different DP strategies (A and B), where strategy A (best skiers) was characterized by higher angular elbow- and hip-flexion velocities, smaller minimum elbow (P < 0.01) and hip angles (P < 0.05), and higher PPF (P < 0.05); 4) EMG activity in trunk and hip flexors, shoulder, and elbow extensors, and several lower body muscles followed a specific sequential pattern with changing activation levels; and 5) EMG activity in lower body muscles showed DP requires more than upper body work.
DP was found to be a complex movement involving both the upper and lower body showing different strategies concerning several biomechanical aspects. Future research should further investigate the relationship between biomechanical and physiological variables and elaborate training models to improve DP performance.
Muscle fatigue has high relevance in human performance yet little research has evaluated how it should be assessed.
To perform a pilot study to identify suitable methods of generating and assessing fatigue of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles.
Sixteen university rugby players (mean (SEM) age 21.9 (0.2) years) were recruited and subjected to four protocols (A, B, C, D), separated by a week to allow recovery, with peak torque being recorded during each test: A, isokinetic measurements before and after fatigue, with a 10 repetition isokinetic fatigue period; B, isokinetic measurements before and after fatigue with a 45 second isometric fatigue period; C, isometric measurements before and after fatigue with a 10 repetition isokinetic fatigue period; D, isometric measurements before and after fatigue with a 45 second isometric fatigue period. All were conducted during flexion and extension of the trunk on the Cybex Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer trunk flexion-extension unit.
All subjects completed all four protocols. Fatigue induction appeared more effective in flexion than extension. Significant differences in mean peak torque before and after fatigue were seen in protocols A, B, and D in flexion and only in protocol D for extension. In flexion, protocol D produced the greatest fatigue, peak torque being 16.2% less after than before fatigue, suggesting greatest sensitivity.
Protocol D, which incorporates isometric testing and fatigue protocols, appears to be able to produce fatigue most effectively, and therefore may provide the most valid assessment of fatigue in the trunk flexor and extensor muscles.
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of voluntary muscular fatigue in one lower limb and determine whether a 'cross-over' of fatigue is evident in the contralateral limb. Twenty-eight subjects (13 males and 15 females) performed a series of voluntary and evoked isometric contractions of both the dominant (exercised) and non-dominant (non-exercised) leg extensor muscles, prior to and after a fatigue protocol consisting of a 100-s sustained maximal isometric contraction (MVC) performed by the dominant limb only. Force values and surface electromyography (EMG) from the vastus lateralis muscle were obtained allowing for the determination of twitch and compound action potential (M-wave) values. Maximal twitch tension and peak-to-peak amplitude were significantly decreased after the fatigue test in the dominant limb, as was maximal voluntary force (approximately 65 N reduction), EMG activity (approximately 0.1 mV decrease) and voluntary activation (approximately 17% decline). However, no significant changes were observed in the non-dominant limb with respect to twitch and M-wave properties nor in MVC force. The voluntary activation of the non-dominant limb decreased significantly by 8.7% after the fatigue test, which was performed only on the dominant limb. The results of the present study suggest that the decrease in force production in the exercised limb was primarily related to peripheral fatigue mechanisms, with central fatigue making a lesser contribution. Centrally mediated mechanisms appear to be the sole contributor to fatigue in the non-exercised limb suggesting an anticipatory fatigue response and a 'cross-over' of central fatigue between the exercised and non-exercised contralateral limb.
The abdominal muscles have been shown to fatigue in response to voluntary isocapnic hyperpnea using direct nerve stimulation techniques. We investigated whether the abdominal muscles fatigue in response to dynamic lower limb exercise using such techniques. Eleven male subjects [peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) = 50.0 +/- 1.9 (SE) ml.kg(-1).min(-1)] cycled at >90% VO2 peak to exhaustion (14.2 +/- 4.2 min). Abdominal muscle function was assessed before and up to 30 min after exercise by measuring the changes in gastric pressure (Pga) after the nerve roots supplying the abdominal muscles were magnetically stimulated at 1-25 Hz. Immediately after exercise there was a decrease in Pga at all stimulation frequencies (mean -25 +/- 4%; P < 0.001) that persisted up to 30 min postexercise (-12 +/- 4%; P = 0.001). These reductions were unlikely due to changes in membrane excitability because amplitude, duration, and area of the rectus abdominis M wave were unaffected. Declines in the Pga response to maximal voluntary expiratory efforts occurred after exercise (158 +/- 13 before vs. 145 +/- 10 cmH2O after exercise; P = 0.005). Voluntary activation, assessed using twitch interpolation, did not change (67 +/- 6 before vs. 64 +/- 2% after exercise; P = 0.20), and electromyographic activity of the rectus abdominis and external oblique increased during these volitional maneuvers. These data provide new evidence that the abdominal muscles fatigue after sustained, high-intensity exercise and that the fatigue is primarily due to peripheral mechanisms.
The importance of function of the central core of the body for stabilisation and force generation in all sports activities is being increasingly recognised. ‘Core stability’ is seen as being pivotal for efficient biomechanical function to maximise force generation and minimise joint loads in all types of activities ranging from running to throwing. However, there is less clarity about what exactly constitutes ‘the core’, either anatomically or physiologically, and physical evaluation of core function is also variable.
‘Core stability’ is defined as the ability to control the position and motion of the trunk over the pelvis to allow optimum production, transfer and control of force and motion to the terminal segment in integrated athletic activities. Core muscle activity is best understood as the pre-programmed integration of local, single-joint muscles and multi-joint muscles to provide stability and produce motion. This results in proximal stability for distal mobility, a proximal to distal patterning of generation of force, and the creation of interactive moments that move and protect distal joints. Evaluation of the core should be dynamic, and include evaluation of the specific functions (trunk control over the planted leg) and directions of motions (three-planar activity). Rehabilitation should include the restoring of the core itself, but also include the core as the base for extremity function.
Arterial desaturation during exercise is common in endurance-trained athletes, a phenomenon often more pronounced when the muscle mass engaged in the exercise is large. With this background, the present study monitored seven international-level cross country skiers performing on a treadmill while running (RUN), double poling (DP; upper body exercise) and diagonal skiing (DIA; arm and leg exercise). Static and dynamic lung function tests were performed and oxygen uptake was measured during submaximal and maximal exercise. Lung function variables (including the diffusion capacity) were only 5-20% higher than reported in sedentary men. Vital capacity was considerably lower than expected from the skiers' maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)), but the maximal ventilation followed a linear relationship with VO(2max). None or only a mild desaturation was observed in DP, RUN and DIA. Blood lactate concentration was slightly higher in DIA than in DP but not different from RUN. In DIA, VO(2max) was 6.23 +/- 0.47 L/min (mean +/- SD), which was 3.8% and 13.9% higher than in RUN and DP, respectively, with similar peak heart rates for the three exercise modes. No relationships were present either between the degree of desaturation and pulmonary functions tests, or with peak oxygen uptakes. The low blood lactate accumulation during the exhaustive efforts contributed to the arterial oxygen saturation being mild in spite of the very high oxygen uptake observed in these skiers.
High-intensity, exhaustive exercise may lead to inspiratory as well as expiratory muscle fatigue (EMF). Induction of inspiratory muscle fatigue (IMF) before exercise has been shown to impair subsequent exercise performance. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether induction of EMF also affects subsequent exercise performance. Twelve healthy young men performed five 12-min running tests on a 400-m track on separate days: a preliminary trial, two trials after induction of EMF, and two trials without prior muscle fatigue. Tests with and without prior EMF were performed in an alternate order, randomly starting with either type. EMF was defined as a ≥20% drop in maximal expiratory mouth pressure achieved during expiratory resistive breathing against 50% maximal expiratory mouth pressure. The average distance covered in 12 min was significantly smaller during exercise with prior EMF compared to control exercise (2872 ± 256 vs. 2957 ± 325 m; P = 0.002). Running speed was consistently lower (0.13 m s−1) throughout the entire 12 min of exercise with prior EMF. A significant correlation was observed between the level of EMF (decrement in maximal expiratory mouth pressure after resistive breathing) and the reduction in running distance (r
2 = 0.528, P = 0.007). Perceived respiratory exertion was higher during the first 800 m and heart rate was lower throughout the entire test of running with prior EMF compared to control exercise (5.3 ± 1.6 vs. 4.5 ± 1.7 points, P = 0.002; 173 ± 10 vs. 178 ± 7 beats min−1, P = 0.005). We conclude that EMF impairs exercise performance as previously reported for IMF.
High-intensity exercise (> or =90% of maximal O(2) uptake) sustained to the limit of tolerance elicits expiratory muscle fatigue (EMF). We asked whether prior EMF affects subsequent exercise tolerance. Eight male subjects (means +/- SD; maximal O(2) uptake = 53.5 +/- 5.2 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) cycled at 90% of peak power output to the limit of tolerance with (EMF-EX) and without (CON-EX) prior induction of EMF and for a time equal to that achieved in EMF-EX but without prior induction of EMF (ISO-EX). To induce EMF, subjects breathed against an expiratory flow resistor until task failure (15 breaths/min, 0.7 expiratory duty cycle, 40% of maximal expiratory gastric pressure). Fatigue of abdominal and quadriceps muscles was assessed by measuring the reduction relative to prior baseline values in magnetically evoked gastric twitch pressure (Pga(tw)) and quadriceps twitch force (Q(tw)), respectively. The reduction in Pga(tw) was not different after resistive breathing vs. after CON-EX (-27 +/- 5 vs. -26 +/- 6%; P = 0.127). Exercise time was reduced by 33 +/- 10% in EMF-EX vs. CON-EX (6.85 +/- 2.88 vs. 9.90 +/- 2.94 min; P < 0.001). Exercise-induced abdominal and quadriceps muscle fatigue was greater after EMF-EX than after ISO-EX (-28 +/- 9 vs. -12 +/- 5% for Pga(tw), P = 0.001; -28 +/- 7 vs. -14 +/- 6% for Q(tw), P = 0.015). Perceptual ratings of dyspnea and leg discomfort (Borg CR10) were higher at 1 and 3 min and at end exercise during EMF-EX vs. during ISO-EX (P < 0.05). Percent changes in limb fatigue and leg discomfort (EMF-EX vs. ISO-EX) correlated significantly with the change in exercise time. We propose that EMF impaired subsequent exercise tolerance primarily through an increased severity of limb locomotor muscle fatigue and a heightened perception of leg discomfort.
Objectives:
The present study aimed to assess the between day reliability of isokinetic and isometric peak torque (PT) during trunk measurement on an isokinetic device (IsoMed 2000).
Design:
Test-retest-protocol on five separate days.
Participants:
Fifteen healthy sport students (8 female and 7 male) aged 21 to 26.
Main outcome measures:
PT was assessed in isometric back extension and flexion as well as right and left rotation. Isokinetic strength was captured at a speed of 60°/s and 150°/s for all tasks.
Results:
For none of the assessed parameters a meaningful variation in PT during test days was observed. Relative reliability (ICC = 0.85-0.96) was excellent for all tasks. Estimates of absolute reliability as Coefficient of Variation (CoV) and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM in Nm/kg lean body mass) remained stable for isometric (6.9% < CoV < 9.4%; 0.15 < SEM < 0.23) and isokinetic mode (60°/s: 3.7% < CoV < 8.6%; 0.08 < SEM < 0.24; 150°/s: 6.9% < CoV < 12.4%; 0.10 < SEM < 0.31). In contrast, reliability between familiarization day and day 1 was lower (6.6% < CoV < 26.2%; 0.10 < SEM < 0.65).
Conclusions:
Trunk strength measurement in flexion and extension or trunk rotation in either isometric or isokinetic condition is highly reliable. Therefore, it seems possible to elucidate changes which are smaller than 10% due to intervention programs when a preceding familiarization condition was applied.
Introduction:
In light of the recent revolutionary change in the use of the double-poling (DP) technique in cross-country skiing, our purpose was to compare the associated kinetics and kinematics on flat (DPflat) and uphill terrain (DPup), as well as to identify factors that determine performance.
Methods:
Thirteen elite male cross-country skiers completed two incremental speed tests (Vpeak) involving roller skiing with the DP technique at moderate (13 and 24 km·h) and high speed (15 and 28.5 km·h) on a treadmill that was flat (1°) or tilted uphill (7°). Pole forces and three-dimensional whole-body kinematics were monitored simultaneously.
Results:
In comparison to DPflat, during DPup, swing times were much shorter (-48%) and peak pole forces greater (+13%) and generated later during the poling phase (+68%), with higher impulses for all force components (+87%-123%). Furthermore, pole forces were 18% more effectively oriented for propulsion. During DPup, the skiers demonstrated more flexed elbows, as well as shoulder angles that were less flexed in the forward direction and less abducted throughout the poling phase, together with more highly flexed knee and ankle joints, a more upright thorax, less flexed hips, and a shortened backward swing after pole off. With DPup, the skiers raised their center of mass 25% more, attaining maximal heel raise and maximal vertical position at a timepoint closer to pole plant compared with flat. On the uphill incline, the magnitude of Vpeak was positively related to body mass, relative pole length (% body height), and magnitude of heel raise.
Conclusions:
The present findings provide novel insights into the coordination, kinetics and kinematics of elite skiers while DP on flat and uphill terrain.
Understanding the pacing strategies employed by the most successful skiers may provide insight into the most desirable pacing approach in cross-country skiing. This study examined the pacing strategies adopted by male and female cross-country skiers of different performance standards during 10/15 km races in World Cup, World Championship and Olympic events. Analyses were carried out on races involving 5 km laps in the men's 15 km (number of races = 22) and the women's 10 km (n = 14) individual start races (classic and free style) from season 2002/2003 to season 2013/2014. Final rank and lap times for the 40 top finishers in each race were analyzed. Both genders demonstrated a positive pacing pattern shown by a decline in velocity from the first to the last lap (men: 6.76 ± 0.43 m·s vs. 6.47 ± 0.46 m·s, P < 0.001; women: 6.0 ± 0.47 m·s vs. 5.87 ± 0.53 m·s, P < 0.001). For the men, slower skiers (final ranking 21-30 and 31-40) were characterized by a quick start relative to their average velocity, with a greater decrease during the race compared with the fastest skiers (1-10) (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001, respectively). For the women, no group differences in pacing strategy were found. In conclusion, the present study shows that the pacing strategy indicates the standard of elite male cross-country skiers. Examining the pacing strategies of the best male performers suggests that lower-performing male skiers should consider a more even pacing strategy in order to improve their performance.
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is regarded as the most performance-differentiating physiological measure in cross-country (XC) skiing. In addition, upper-body strength and lean mass have been associated with double poling (DP) power in XC skiers. In this study, we tested upper-body maximal strength, lean mass and VO2max’s contributions to predict DP power production of different duration and the overall XC skiing performance level of elite female XC skiers. Thirteen skiers (VO2max: 64.9 ± 4.2 mL∙kg-1∙min-1) performed one 30-s and one 3-min DP performance test using a ski ergometer. The International Ski Federation’s (FIS) ranking points determined their overall XC skiing performance. The skiers performed three one-repetition maximal strength tests in poling-specific exercises that isolated the elbow extension, shoulder extension, and trunk flexion movements. Body composition was determined by a DXA scan, and VO2max was tested in an incremental running test. Multiple regressions were employed to predict power production in the 30-s and 3-min tests as well as FIS-points. The two best predictions of 30-s DP power were lean upper-body mass and maximal upper-body strength (with the three strength tests normalized and pooled together as one variable) (R2=0.84 and 0.81, p<0.001). Along with VO2max, the same two variables were the best predictions of both 3-min DP power (R2=0.60 and 0.44, p<0.05) and overall XC skiing performance (R2=0.43 and 0.40, p<0.05). While the importance of upper-body strength and lean mass to predict DP power production as well the overall XC skiing performance declines with the performance duration in female cross-country skiers, the importance of VO2max shows an opposite relationship.
To investigate fluctuations in the total mechanical energy of the body (Ebody) in relation to the external ergometer work (Werg) during the poling and recovery phases of simulated double poling cross-country skiing.
Nine male cross-country skiers (age 24±5 yrs, body mass 81.7±6.5 kg) performed 4-min submaximal tests at low, moderate, and high intensity levels and a 3-min all-out test on a ski ergometer. Motion capture analysis and load cell recordings were used to measure body kinematics and dynamics. From these, Werg and Ebody, which is the sum of the translational, rotational and gravitational potential energies of all segments, as well as their time differentials (power, P) were calculated. Ptot, interpreted as the rate of energy absorption or generation by muscle-tendons, was defined as the sum of Pbody and Perg.
Ebody showed large fluctuations over the movement cycle, decreasing during poling and increasing during the recovery phase. The fluctuation in Pbody was almost perfectly out-of-phase with Perg. Some muscle-tendon energy absorption was observed at the onset of poling. For the rest of poling and throughout the recovery phase, muscle-tendons generated energy both to do Werg and to increase Ebody. Approximately 50 % of cycle Ptot was done during recovery for all intensity levels.
In double poling, the extensive contribution of the lower extremities and trunk to whole-body muscle-tendon work during recovery facilitates a "direct" transfer of Ebody to do Werg during the poling phase. This observation reveals that double poling involves a unique movement pattern, different from most other forms of legged terrestrial locomotion which are characterized primarily by inverted pendulum or spring-mass types of movement.
Purpose:
Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) was recently shown to improve repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in cycling. This phenomenon is likely to reflect fiber type-dependent, compensatory vasodilation, and therefore, our hypothesis was that RSH is even more beneficial for activities involving upper body muscles, such as double poling during cross-country skiing.
Methods:
In a double-blinded fashion, 17 competitive cross-country skiers performed six sessions of repeated sprints (each consisting of four sets of five 10-s sprints, with 20-s intervals of recovery) either in normoxia (RSN, 300 m; FiO2, 20.9%; n = 8) or normobaric hypoxia (RSH, 3000 m; FiO2, 13.8 %; n = 9). Before (pre) and after (post) training, performance was evaluated with an RSA test (10-s all-out sprints-20-s recovery, until peak power output declined by 30%) and a simulated team sprint (team sprint, 3 × 3-min all-out with 3-min rest) on a double-poling ergometer. Triceps brachii oxygenation was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy.
Results:
From pretraining to posttraining, peak power output in the RSA was increased (P < 0.01) to the same extent (29% ± 13% vs 26% ± 18%, nonsignificant) in RSH and in RSN whereas the number of sprints performed was enhanced in RSH (10.9 ± 5.2 vs 17.1 ± 6.8, P < 0.01) but not in RSN (11.6 ± 5.3 vs 11.7 ± 4.3, nonsignificant). In addition, the amplitude in total hemoglobin variations during sprints throughout RSA rose more in RSH (P < 0.01). Similarly, the average power output during all team sprints improved by 11% ± 9% in RSH and 15% ± 7% in RSN.
Conclusions:
Our findings reveal greater improvement in the performance of repeated double-poling sprints, together with larger variations in the perfusion of upper body muscles in RSH compared with those in RSN.
Isolated lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue causes lower extremity and postural control deficits.
To describe the change in body position during gait after fatiguing lumbar extension exercises in persons with recurrent episodes of low back pain compared with healthy controls.
Case-control study.
Motion analysis laboratory.
Twenty-five recreationally active participants with a history of recurrent episodes of low back pain, matched by sex, height, and mass with 25 healthy controls.
We measured 3-dimensional lower extremity and trunk kinematics before and after fatiguing isometric lumbar paraspinal exercise.
Measurements were taken while participants jogged on a custom-built treadmill surrounded by a 10-camera motion analysis system.
Group-by-time interactions were observed for lumbar lordosis and trunk angles (P < .05). A reduced lumbar spine extension angle was noted, reflecting a loss of lordosis and an increase in trunk flexion angle, indicating increased forward trunk lean, in healthy controls after fatiguing lumbar extension exercise. In contrast, persons with a history of recurrent low back pain exhibited a slight increase in spine extension, indicating a slightly more lordotic position of the lumbar spine, and a decrease in trunk flexion angles after fatiguing exercise. Regardless of group, participants experienced, on average, greater peak hip extension after lumbar paraspinal fatigue.
Small differences in response may represent a necessary adaptation used by persons with recurrent low back pain to preserve gait function by stabilizing the spine and preventing inappropriate trunk and lumbar spine positioning.
Statistical guidelines and expert statements are now available to assist in the analysis and reporting of studies in some biomedical disciplines. We present here a more progressive resource for sample-based studies, meta-analyses, and case studies in sports medicine and exercise science. We offer forthright advice on the following controversial or novel issues: using precision of estimation for inferences about population effects in preference to null-hypothesis testing, which is inadequate for assessing clinical or practical importance; justifying sample size via acceptable precision or confidence for clinical decisions rather than via adequate power for statistical significance; showing SD rather than SEM, to better communicate the magnitude of differences in means and nonuniformity of error; avoiding purely nonparametric analyses, which cannot provide inferences about magnitude and are unnecessary; using regression statistics in validity studies, in preference to the impractical and biased limits of agreement; making greater use of qualitative methods to enrich sample-based quantitative projects; and seeking ethics approval for public access to the depersonalized raw data of a study, to address the need for more scrutiny of research and better meta-analyses. Advice on less contentious issues includes the following: using covariates in linear models to adjust for confounders, to account for individual differences, and to identify potential mechanisms of an effect; using log transformation to deal with nonuniformity of effects and error; identifying and deleting outliers; presenting descriptive, effect, and inferential statistics in appropriate formats; and contending with bias arising from problems with sampling, assignment, blinding, measurement error, and researchers' prejudices. This article should advance the field by stimulating debate, promoting innovative approaches, and serving as a useful checklist for authors, reviewers, and editors.
The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of fatigue (physiological, mechanical, and muscular parameters) induced by a sprint simulation on kinematic parameters (cycle, phases, and joints angles) of the double pole technique. Eight elite skiers were tested for knee extensor strength and upper body power both before and after a three-bout simulation of sprint racing. They were video analyzed during the final part of the test track of bouts 1 and 3 using a digital camera. Results showed that skiers were in a fatigue state (decrease of the knee extensors voluntary force (-10.4+/-10.4%) and upper body power output (-11.1+/-8.7%) at the end of the sprint. During bout 3, the final spurt and cycle velocities decreased significantly (-7.5+/-12.3%; -13.2+/-9.5%; both p<.05). Angular patterns were only slightly modified between bouts 1 and 3 with trunk, hip, and pole angles being significantly greater for the third bout. The decrease of hip and trunk flexion and the lower inclination of the pole during the poling phase suggested a reduced effectiveness of the force application which could lead to a decrease in the cycle velocity.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether induction of inspiratory muscle fatigue might impair subsequent exercise performance. Ten healthy subjects cycled to volitional exhaustion at 90% of their maximal capacity. Oxygen consumption, breathing pattern, and a visual analogue scale for respiratory effort were measured. Exercise was performed on three separate occasions, once immediately after induction of fatigue, whereas the other two episodes served as controls. Fatigue was achieved by having the subjects breathe against an inspiratory threshold load while generating 80% of their predetermined maximal mouth pressure until they could no longer reach the target pressure. After induction of fatigue, exercise time was reduced compared with control, 238 +/- 69 vs. 311 +/- 96 (SD) s (P less than 0.001). During the last minute of exercise, oxygen consumption and heart rate were lower after induction of fatigue than during control, 2,234 +/- 472 vs. 2,533 +/- 548 ml/min (P less than 0.002) and 167 +/- 15 vs. 177 +/- 12 beats/min (P less than 0.002). At exercise isotime, minutes ventilation and the visual analogue scale for respiratory effort were larger after induction of fatigue than during control. In addition, at exercise isotime, relative tachypnea was observed after induction of fatigue. We conclude that induction of inspiratory muscle fatigue can impair subsequent performance of high-intensity exercise and alter the pattern of breathing during such exercise.
A method was developed to obtain static and dynamic measures of trunk flexor and extensor strength and endurance. The method was evaluated using 32 normal subjects. Variables of trunk strength and endurance were used to compare 24 normals (12 men and 12 women) and 24 patients (16 men and eight women) with chronic low-back dysfunction. The Iowa Trunk Dynamometer is acceptably reliable and provides for assessment of isolated function of the abdominal and back muscles. For peak abdominal and back extensor strength, the range of superiority of men over women was 39-57%, and the range of superiority of normals over patients with chronic low-back dysfunction was 48-82%. Using time to percent decrement of peak strength as a criterion, the abdominals were more susceptible to fatigue than the back extensors, women demonstrated more endurance than men, and the endurance for normals was less than those patients who were able to perform dynamic reciprocal trunk movements.
Whether different muscle-loading patterns with the same mean load have a similar influence on the resultant muscle fatigue is still unknown. This study investigated the influence of two intermittent exercise protocols, with equal mean muscle loading, on the mechanical and myoelectrical signs of fatigue in the elbow flexor muscles.
Ten subjects performed two 20-min long intermittent isometric elbow flexion tasks. The exercise period load for the low force intermittent test was 25% of the maximum voluntary contraction, with a work-cycle time of 20 s and a duty cycle of 0.5. The high force intermittent exercise protocol had an exercise period load of 50% maximum voluntary contraction, a cycle time of 20 s and a duty cycle of 0.25.
Muscle fatigue was quantified both by measuring the maximal voluntary contraction torque before and after the intermittent exercises, and also by the temporal changes observed in the electromyography signal.
Both muscle-loading patterns induced a 15% decrease in maximum voluntary contraction. However, the electromyographic spectral changes during the intermittent static contractions varied between the two protocols.
Variation in muscle load without loss in productivity can affect the physiological responses. The results also showed that different methods to assess muscle fatigue sometimes provide different information on the resultant fatigue.
The objectives of this project were first to analyze the physiological response of a classical cross country (XC) skiing sprint competition, second, to examine the relationships of kinematic and physiological variables with sprint performance and third, to test the hypothesis that maximal speed in double poling (DP) and diagonal stride (DIAG) predicts sprint performance. Twelve elite skiers performed a treadmill-based simulation of a sprint competition that included two maximal speed tests (DP, DIAG), a test and three sprint heats over a 3.5-h period. VO(2), lactate, heart rate (HR) and kinematic variables were measured. Maximal DP and DIAG speed, the level of repeatedly produced lactate values and skiing technical aspects positively correlated with sprint performance. Fastest skiers produced longer cycle lengths in all techniques at equal poling frequency. VO(2) variables showed no correlation to sprint performance. VO(2), tidal volume (VT), and lactate decreased over the heats. XC-sprint performance in classical style depends on speed abilities, technique use, fatigue resistance, and anaerobic capacity. The relationship of maximal speed with sprint performance suggests (a) integrating maximal speed tests in XC sprint diagnostics and (b) emphasizing training models for XC skiing-specific speed abilities to improve performance in XC skiing sprint.
The aims of the present study were 1) to analyze whether the KO sprint simulation induced a phenomenon of fatigue of upper and lower limbs and 2) if there was any fatigue, to determine its origin.
Seven elite male skiers were tested before and after a simulation of KO sprints consisting of three 1200-m laps separated by 12 min of recovery. Surface electromyographic activity and force obtained under voluntary and electrically evoked contractions (single twitch) on knee-extensor muscles were analyzed to distinguish neural adaptations from contractile changes. A maximal power output test of the upper limbs was also performed.
During the last lap, the final sprint velocity was significantly lower than during the first lap. After the KO sprint, knee-extensor voluntary (-9.8 +/- 9.5%) and evoked (-16.2 +/- 11.9%) isometric force and upper-limb power output (-11.0 +/- 9.3%) and force (-11.3 +/- 8.7%) significantly decreased, whereas the blood lactate concentration increased to 11.6 mM. On the other hand, no changes were seen in RMS measurement during maximal voluntary contractions, RMS normalized by M-wave amplitude, or M-wave characteristics.
Changes in performance, lactate concentration, knee-extensor strength, and upper-limb power indicated that the KO sprint test led the skiers to a state of fatigue. On lower-limb muscles, the decrease of knee-extensor strength was exclusively caused by peripheral fatigue, which was at least in part attributable to a failure of the excitation-contraction coupling.
Core stability has received considerable attention with regards to functional training in sports. Core stability provides the foundation from which power is generated in cycling. No research has described the relationship between core stability and cycling mechanics of the lower extremity. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between cycling mechanics and core stability. Hip, knee, and ankle joint kinematic and pedal force data were collected on 15 competitive cyclists while cycling untethered on a high-speed treadmill. The exhaustive cycling protocol consisted of cycling at 25.8 km x h(-1) while the grade was increased 1% every 3 minutes. A core fatigue workout was performed before the second treadmill test. Total frontal plane knee motion (test 1: 15.1 +/- 6.0 degrees ; test 2: 23.3 +/- 12.5 degrees), sagittal plane knee motion (test 1: 69.9 +/- 4.9 degrees ; test 2: 79.3 +/- 10.1 degrees), and sagittal plane ankle motion (test 1: 29.0 +/- 8.5 degrees ; test 2: 43.0 +/- 22.9 degrees) increased after the core fatigue protocol. No significant differences were demonstrated for pedaling forces. Core fatigue resulted in altered cycling mechanics that might increase the risk of injury because the knee joint is potentially exposed to greater stress. Improved core stability and endurance could promote greater alignment of the lower extremity when riding for extended durations as the core is more resistant to fatigue.
Essentials of strength training and conditioning
- T R Baechle
- R W Earle
Baechle TR, Earle RW (2008) Essentials of strength training and conditioning, 3rd edn. Human Kinetics, Champaign
Batterham AM, Hopkins WG (2006) Making meaningful inferences
about magnitudes. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 1:50-57
Spreadsheets for analysis of controlled trials, crossovers and time series
- W G Hopkins
Hopkins WG (2017) Spreadsheets for analysis of controlled trials,
crossovers and time series. Sportsci 21:1-4. http://sport sci.
org/2017/wghxl s.htm. Accessed 17 Jul 2017