Date of Award

7-2019

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Health and Human Performance

Program

Exercise Science (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Randall Jensen

Abstract

Introduction Cross-country skiing is a power-endurance sport requiring upper and lower body activation for propulsion across the ground. While high aerobic markers such as VO2max and lactate threshold are important performance indicators, recent research has demonstrated the importance of full-body general strength and muscular endurance in skiing success. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of strength indices via a full-body series of muscular endurance tests, as well as a general 1-RM strength test, to VO2 skiing economy utilizing the V1- and V2-skate technique.

Methods Oxygen uptake was measured during baseline and economy testing on a specialized skiing treadmill. A paired samples t-test was utilized to determine differences between V1- and V2-skate skiing economy. Correlation analysis was used to identify relationships of strength and endurance indices to skiing economy values. Furthermore, a stepwise regression with resampling cross-validation (25 holdout groups) was performed to determine the best predictor of skiing economy.

Results The results of the study found no significant differences between V1- and V2-skate skiing economy VO2 values (p>0.05), as well as other metabolic variables. Pearson partial correlation analysis controlling for sex revealed weight, V1 RER, V2 RER, and shoulder extension were positively correlated with V2 oxygen uptake (p

Conclusion The crossover point of no significant differences in oxygen uptake between V1- & V2-skate was found to be at a greater velocity and grade than previously reported literature. Less oxygen uptake during V1-skate was an indicator of distance racing performance, as a majority of competition time is spent racing uphill utilizing the aforementioned technique. Greater general strength and muscular endurance were not correlated to greater V1 and V2 skiing economy as hypothesized.

Access Type

Open Access

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