Abstract

Six Danish male cross-country skiers were studied during the end-of-summer and winter seasons. Their maximal oxygen uptake was measured while running on a treadmill and using a ski ergometer incorporating the double-polilng technique. Maximal oxygen uptake during treadmill running and double-poling was correlated with performance, expressed as a ranking score during 10 ski races. The tests were undertaken in September, December and April. Upper body maximal oxygen uptake increased 5.8 from September to December, decreasing to 2.3 above the September level in April. Upper body work output (2 min at maximal intensity) increased 11.8 from September to December. The relationship between upper body and leg maximal oxygen uptake - the upper body/leg ratio - was 89.4 in September. In four skiers, both treadmill and upper body tests were undertaken on each test occasion. The upper body/leg ratio changed from 87.7 in September to 95.7 in December. In April, the raito was 91.0. The maximal oxygen uptake measured using the ski ergometer during double-poling was significantly correlated with performance. It is concluded that the upper body ski ergometer can be used in the evaluation of elite cross-country skiers. Verf.-Referat