INTRODUCTION: Highly trained sprint cross-country skiers are well trained in their upper and lower extremities (Holmberg 2009) and have high aerobic and maximal speed capacities (Sandbakk et al. 2010). Accordingly, sprint skiers may be relevant subjects for evaluating gender differences when employing whole body exercise through a range of physiological capacities. The purpose of the present study was to examine gender differences in performance and physiological characteristics of elite sprint cross-country skiers. Furthermore, we aimed to see whether normalizing for lean body mass would explain these differences between men and women. METHODS: Eight men and eight women, matched for performance level by the International Ski Federations classification (FIS points), were tested for performance and physiological response in 1) a submaximal test, 2) an incremental maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) test and 3) an incremental maximal treadmill speed (Vmax) test in the skating G3 technique while treadmill roller skiing. RESULTS: Men reached 17% higher peak speeds in both the VO2max and the V™* tests (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, men showed 14% and 7% higher VO2max when normalized for total and lean body mass (both P < 0.05). A higher fractional utilization of VO2max at the anaerobic threshold was found in women (P < 0.05). The relationship between metabolic rate and work rate was linear for both genders (both P < 0.05), but there were no significant gender differences between slopes or intercepts. Gross efficiency and work economy did not differ between genders. DISCUSSION: The current study demonstrated -5% greater gender differences in performance than in other comparable endurance sports, such as running, track cycling and speed skating. These gender differences in performance could mainly be explained by VO2max and fat percentage. However, our results indicate that women partly compensate a lower VO2max through a higher fractional utilization of VO2max at the anaerobic threshold. Metabolic-work rate regression lines were actually close to identical in men and women, and gross efficiency and work economy did not differ between genders. CONCLUSION: Male sprint skiers show higher energy delivery capacity than females, whereas females partly compensate through a higher anaerobic threshold. No differences in the ability to convert metabolic rate into work rate and speed were present between genders.
© Copyright 2010 Book of Abstracts. 5th International Congress on Science and Skiing, Dec. 14 - 19, 2010, St. Christoph am Arlberg. Veröffentlicht von University of Salzburg, Interfakultärer Fachbereich Sport- und Bewegungswissenschaft/USI. Alle Rechte vorbehalten. / Übersetzt mit https://www.DeepL.com/Translator