Physiology of skiing

Summary

During skiing a maximum O₂-uptake of 5,2l/min was recorded with a trained student as a subject; with two other élite skiers 5 liters O₂ per minute was found. A trained female subject showed an O₂-intake of 4,17l/min and an other female subject had an O₂-intake of 64,5 cc/min/kg body weight, presumably the highest values ever recorded in women.

In connection with ski competitions youngsters had often pulse values above 250 beats per minute. The maximum values recorded were as high as 270.

Proteinuria occurred practically in all subjects and erythrocytes were found in 28% of the urines of trained skiers after competitions.

Skiing is the most economical and fastest way of transportation on snow, but even at a relatively low speed the energy output is high.

We want to express our sincere thanks to the Swedish Sport Association (Riksidrottsförbundet) for financial support and to every body who assisted us during the experiments, especially the skiers, who acted as subjects.