Abstract

This study compared physical fitness profiles of young male alpine skiers (n = 24) on regular ski-training with controls (n = 32) of similar age, 13-15 years. The test battery incorporated measurents of anaerobic power and capacity, dynamic muscular performance, flexibility, balance, muscular endurance and aerobic power. A multivariate discriminatory analysis was used to statistically separate the groups on the basis of fitness profiles. The groups were similar in anthropometric measures and in aerobic power. The skiers were significantly better than the control group in the anaerobic and performance measures, flexibility and balance. Results suggest that adaptations in aerobic function in young skiers are not superior to those occuring in controls and that the more pronounced adaptations may be in short-term dynamic functions. Verf.-Referat