Abstract

The physical and physiological demands in alpine skiing are very high. In ski racing external forces up to 7000 N combined with vibratory oscillations around 30 Hz appear (Spitzenpfeil 2000). The physiological reactions are lactate concentrations up to 15 mmol/l blood, maximum heart rates up to 189 b/min and oxygen uptakes up to 75%-80% of VO2max (Tesch 1995, Veicsteinas et al. 1984). For these reasons, in addition to training of movement techniques on snow, effective conditioning training is necessary. Due to lack of time demands for technique specific training methods, devices have been developed in recent years. Several different training devices have already been constructed that provide useful tools to focus on specific movement abilities (e.g. balance boards to work on keeping equilibrium), or physical aspects (e.g. strength training) using load applications typical for skiing (Spitzenpfeil 2000). A great deal of effort had been done to create systems for training both, movement and physical abilities, by more or less simulating skiing. One device used by many national ski teams and commercial skiing institutions is the “World Cup Plyometric Power” (Skier’s Edge®). Statements of experts assert that this device is a “tool for simulating slalom and giant slalom”, which gave racers “the feel and physical demands of a tough GS course” (www.skiersedge.com). However, it is necessary to prove the actual physical and physiological affinity of loads provided by this training device to the original movement (Kröll et al. 2003). The purpose of this present study was to evaluate the training device “World Cup Plyometric Power” (Skier’s Edge®) regarding its specificity for alpine skiing including mechanical load, muscular activity and physiological demands. Einleitung