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

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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.

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Abbreviations

F f :

Friction force

F n :

Normal force

g :

Gravitational acceleration

G3:

A skating technique, also referred to as V1 or Double Dance, that involves one double poling action for each leg push-off

G4/G4-P:

A skating technique, also referred to as V2-alternate or Open Field Skate, that involves one double poling action for two leg push-offs

G4-NP:

Simulation of the G4 skating technique without poles

m :

Body mass

PF:

Pole force component

P f :

Power against friction

P g :

Power against gravity

RER:

Respiratory exchange ratio

RPE:

Rating of perceived exertion

v :

Velocity of the treadmill belt

VCO2 :

Carbon dioxide consumption

VO2 :

Oxygen consumption

α :

Incline

µ :

Friction coefficient

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank; Martin Hoset and Asgeir Rognstad for their help with data collection and analysis, Christina Åsan Grasaas and Knut Skovereng with assistance during testing, and the participants and their coaches for their enthusiastic cooperation. The Norwegian Olympic Committee financially supported this study.

Conflict of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience, Center for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway

    Erik Grasaas, Ann Magdalen Hegge, Gertjan Ettema & Øyvind Sandbakk

Authors
  1. Erik Grasaas
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  2. Ann Magdalen Hegge
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  3. Gertjan Ettema
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  4. Øyvind Sandbakk
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Øyvind Sandbakk.

Additional information

Communicated by Jean-René Lacour.

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Grasaas, E., Hegge, A.M., Ettema, G. et al. The effects of poling on physiological, kinematic and kinetic responses in roller ski skating. Eur J Appl Physiol 114, 1933–1942 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2926-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2926-6

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