- Journal
- APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY NUTRITION AND METABOLISM
- Année
- 2014
- Volume
- 39
- Numéro
- 8
- Pages
- 911-919
- Mois
- AUG
- DOI
- 10.1139/apnm-2013-0550
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess potential changes in the performance and cardiorespiratory responses of elite cross-country skiers following transition from the classic (CL) to the skating (SK) technique during a simulated skiathlon. Eight elite male skiers performed two 6 km (2 x 3 km) roller-skiing time trials on a treadmill at racing speed: one starting with the classic and switching to the skating technique (CL1-SK2) and another employing the skating technique throughout (SK1-SK2), with continuous monitoring of gas exchanges, heart rates, and kinematics (video). The overall performance times in the CL1-SK2 (21:12 +/- 1:24) and SK1-SK2 (20:48 +/- 2:00) trials were similar, and during the second section of each performance times and overall cardiopulmonary responses were also comparable. However, in comparison with SK1-SK2, the CL1-SK2 trial involved significantly higher increases in minute ventilation (V-E, 89.8 +/- 26.8 vs. 106.8 +/- 17.6 L.min(-1)) and oxygen uptake (VO2; 3.1 +/- 0.8 vs 3.5 +/- 0.5 L.min(-1)) 2 min after the transition as well as longer time constants for V-E, VO2, and heart rate during the first 3 min after the transition. This higher cardiopulmonary exertion was associated with similar to 3% faster cycle rates. In conclusion, overall performance during the 2 time trials did not differ. The similar performance times during the second sections were achieved with comparable mean cardiopulmonary responses. However, the observation that during the initial 3-min post-transition following classic skiing cardiopulmonary responses and cycle rates were slightly higher supports the conclusion that an initial section of classic skiing exerts an impact on performance during a subsequent section of skate skiing.