INTRODUCTION: In the past, several studies tried to identify parameters that predict success in elite alpine ski racing [2-6]. Hereby, good anaerobic and aerobic capacity, great muscular strength, good motor abilities and optimal anthropometric conditions were associated with successful skiing [2, 4, 5, 6]. Most studies observed cross-sectional progress [2, 4]. However, only few studies reported trends towards changing anthropometric parameters, strength and energy metabolism over a period of time [2, 3]. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine influencing factors on alpine skiing performance in a cross-sectional and a longitudinal survey. Furthermore, the correlation between parameters of anthropometry, clinical chemistry and exercise testing and the success in alpine skiing, represented by FIS points, were investigated in both sexes. METHOD: We analyzed 143 athletes (69 male, 74 female) of the German National Ski team over a period of 5 years (January 2004 - December 2008). FIS points were selected in order to define the athletes' success. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the German ski team are presented in Table 1. During the investigation period of five years, alpine skiers were more successful with increasing FFM (Fat Free Mass) and ferritin values than athletes with lower FFM or ferritin level. There were high correlations between FIS points and FFM (female: r = -0.53, male r = -0.73; both p < 0.01) and FIS points and ferritin (female r = -0.43, male r= -0.69; both p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: It becomes obvious that athletes with a lower ferritin value and less FFM cannot provide the same sport-specific performance as athletes with higher values. In a prior study, the performance enhancing effect of ferritin was proven in people with heart failure [1]. For this reason the effect of ferritin in professional alpine skiing may be discussed. A high percentage of FFM seems to be indispensable [5]. In this context the increase of FFM by specific training (e.g. strength training) should be considered. CONCLUSION: FFM and ferritin seem to be predicting factors for success in alpine ski racing performance. Therefore, training should be focused on the increase of FFM. Additional investigations should clarify the effect of ferritin on skiing performance.
© 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