Prediction of performance in Vasaloppet through long lasting ski- ergometer and rollerski tests in cross-country skiers

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The main purpose was to investigate if long lasting cross-country (c-c) test procedures could predict performance time in ‘Vasaloppet’ and secondly the effect of a 16 weeks training period on a 90 min double poling performance test. 24 moderate trained c-c skiers participated in the study and completed Vasaloppet. All skiers carried out pre and post training tests in a 90 minutes ski-ergometer double poling test and a 120 minutes rollerski field test on a closed paved circuit. 19 skiers provided detailed training logs that could sufficiently establish their training preparation for Vasaloppet. Racing time in Vasaloppet correlated negatively with average work output (W/kg) at the pre ski-ergometer test (Figure 3A) (n = 24; r = -0.79; P < 0.001), i.e. c-c ski performance was positively associated with ergometer performance. Likewise, a similar correlation was obtained after the 16 week training period between average post-test work output in the ski-ergometer and performance in Vasaloppet (n = 24; r = -0.76; P < 0.001). The distance improved significantly from 18.0 ± 0.6 to 19.2 ± 0.7 km/h from pre to post in the ski-ergometer tests. Pre-field-test time performance on rollerskies as measured by average lap time for the 3 km circuit also correlated significantly to performance in Vasaloppet (n = 23; r = 0.78; P < 0.001). In addition, the rollerski post-field-test also showed good agreement with Vasaloppet performance, but a number of individual cancellations appeared and performance time was only measured in 11 skiers. (r = 0.82; P < 0.001). There was no change in body weight, BMI and lean arm mass but borderline increase in lean leg mass (P < 0.067), a significant increase in trunk and total lean body mass (P < 0.05) and a reduction of total body fat percentage (P < 0.05). Long lasting ski-ergometer and Rollerski field tests correlate strongly with performance in Vasaloppet and therefore might be useful test tools for recreational skiers who wish to participate in long lasting c-c competitions. Keywords: Cross-country ski training, Upper body, Exercise intensity, Field test, Body composition blood lactate
Original languageEnglish
Article number025
JournalInternational Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine
Volume1
Issue number5
Number of pages7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

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