The effects of poling on physiological, kinematic and kinetic responses in roller ski skating

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2014 Sep;114(9):1933-42. doi: 10.1007/s00421-014-2926-6. Epub 2014 Jun 11.

Abstract

Purpose: We investigated the effects of poling on physiological, kinematic and kinetic responses in the G4 skating technique where the poling movement is synchronized with the leg push-off on one side (strong side) followed by a forward arm swing during the leg push-off on the other side (weak side).

Methods: G4 skating with (G4-P) and without (G4-NP) poling was compared in 17 elite male cross-country skiers during 4-min submaximal tests on a 2% inclined roller ski treadmill at 10, 15 and 20 km h(-1).

Results: G4-P demonstrated less ventilatory stress and higher gross efficiency compared to G4-NP at all velocities, and the blood lactate concentration was lower at the high velocity (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, longer cycle lengths and lower cycle rates were found with G4-P at all velocities, with correspondingly lower peak ski forces, increased ski velocities and less angling and edging of the skis (all P < 0.05). The peak ski forces on the strong side were lower than on the weak side with G4-P at all velocities (all P < 0.05), but no differences between the sides were found with G4-NP.

Conclusions: The reduced physiological cost, higher gross efficiency and longer cycle lengths together with the lower ski forces at a given work rate with G4-P demonstrate the effectiveness of poling in the G4 skating technique. Thus, poling provides possibilities to increase total propulsion, to reduce ski forces and to enhance skiing efficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletic Performance*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Male
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Skiing / physiology*
  • Sports Equipment*

Substances

  • Lactic Acid