INTRODUCTION: In double poling (DP), propulsive forces are transferred only thru the poles. Pole length in the classical style is normally ~84% of body height although studies report beneficial effect of longer poles (~88%) during short duration tests on snow (Hansen & Losnegard 2010). This study aimed to identify the effect of longer poles on O2-cost, cycle characteristics and performance during DP and in the diagonal stride (DIA) on a roller ski treadmill. METHOD: Seven highly trained cross-country skiers (22±2 yrs, 180±4 cm, 71±5 kg, VO2max running: 75±6 mL·kg-1·min-1) completed two identical testing protocols using self-selected (84±1% of body height) (SS) and self-selected +7.5 cm poles (SS+7.5 cm) in a counter balanced fashion over two days. Each testing protocol included 3 submaximal loads in DP (2.5°, 3, 3.5 and 4 m/s) and one in DIA (5.5°, 2.75 m/s) for assessment of O2-cost, heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exhaustion (RPE). Cycle characteristics were assessed by accelerometers (Myklebust et al 2014). Finally, subjects performed a 1000-m time trial in the DP (2.5°, >5 m·s-1). RESULTS: DP with SS+7.5 cm resulted in a beneficial effect on O2-cost and 1000-m time compared to SS, with no effect on HR or RPE (Table 1). In the DIA, no significant effects of pole length were seen in O2-cost or HR (P>0.05) while a tendency towards a higher RPE was found for the SS+7.5 (P = 0.12). With the SS+7.5, a longer poling time (PT) and shorter recovery time (RT) compared to the SS was found while the cycle time (CT) was similar. DISCUSSION: This study indicates that choice of pole length affects DP technique and performance in competitive skiers. Longer poles results in technical modifications and seems beneficial in order to reduce O2-cost and improve performance. CONCLUSION: Pole length affects highly trained skiers cycle characteristics, O2-cost and performance during DP on a rollerski treadmill. --- The hosting University of Jyväskylä is planning to publish conference proceedings "Science and Nordic Skiing III". In case you are interested in this publication please contact the editors (Anni Hakkarainen anni.s.j.hakkarainen@jyu.fi) to become registered for the book.
© Copyright 2015 3rd International Congress on Science and Nordic Skiing - ICSNS 2015. 5-8 June 2015, Vuokatti, Finland. Veröffentlicht von University of Jyväskylä; University of Salzburg. Alle Rechte vorbehalten. / Übersetzt mit https://www.DeepL.com/Translator