TY - JOUR

T1 - Performance-Determining Variables of a Simulated Skimo Sprint Competition in Elite Junior Skimo Athletes

AU - Wagner, Carl Maximilian

AU - Röhrs, Daniel

AU - Sandbakk, Øyvind

AU - Katz, Andreas

AU - Wittke, Andreas

AU - Keiner, Michael

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.

PY - 2024/3

Y1 - 2024/3

N2 - This study aimed to investigate the variables determining performance in a simulated on-snow Skimo sprint competition, and how their relationship with performance evolves from the individual time trial to the final. Fifteen national-level junior Skimo athletes (mean ± SD: age, 17.8 ± 2.5 years; maximal oxygen uptake, 66.8 mL·kg−1·min−1) underwent a comprehensive assessment, involving submaximal and maximal endurance tests, maximal strength assessments, and a maximal sprint to determine maximal glycolytic capacity. Subsequently, a simulated sprint competition, comprising an individual time-trial and three heats (quarterfinal, semifinal, final), was conducted. Whole-body and upper body aerobic power (r = 0.69–0.93), maximal speed and power (r = 0.82–0.85) during the maximal performance test, as well as fat-free mass (r = 0.62–0.77) and body fat (r = −0.67–−0.77), exhibited significant correlations with performance in the time-trial, quarterfinal and semifinal. Moreover, maximal strength (r = 0.39–0.95) and transition duration (r = 0.52–0.85) showed moderate to large correlations with sprint performance. Overall, aerobic power, maximal speed and power, as well as fat-free mass, and body fat emerged as crucial determinants of Skimo sprint performance, while dynamic strength and the ability to transition quickly between sections also proved to be relevant factors.

AB - This study aimed to investigate the variables determining performance in a simulated on-snow Skimo sprint competition, and how their relationship with performance evolves from the individual time trial to the final. Fifteen national-level junior Skimo athletes (mean ± SD: age, 17.8 ± 2.5 years; maximal oxygen uptake, 66.8 mL·kg−1·min−1) underwent a comprehensive assessment, involving submaximal and maximal endurance tests, maximal strength assessments, and a maximal sprint to determine maximal glycolytic capacity. Subsequently, a simulated sprint competition, comprising an individual time-trial and three heats (quarterfinal, semifinal, final), was conducted. Whole-body and upper body aerobic power (r = 0.69–0.93), maximal speed and power (r = 0.82–0.85) during the maximal performance test, as well as fat-free mass (r = 0.62–0.77) and body fat (r = −0.67–−0.77), exhibited significant correlations with performance in the time-trial, quarterfinal and semifinal. Moreover, maximal strength (r = 0.39–0.95) and transition duration (r = 0.52–0.85) showed moderate to large correlations with sprint performance. Overall, aerobic power, maximal speed and power, as well as fat-free mass, and body fat emerged as crucial determinants of Skimo sprint performance, while dynamic strength and the ability to transition quickly between sections also proved to be relevant factors.

KW - fat-free mass

KW - maximal oxygen uptake

KW - maximal speed

KW - one-repetition maximum

KW - peak oxygen uptake

KW - power

KW - skimo

KW - sprint

KW - VLa

KW - Physical education and sports

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85192441275&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.3390/app14051882

DO - 10.3390/app14051882

M3 - Journal articles

AN - SCOPUS:85192441275

VL - 14

JO - Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

JF - Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

SN - 2076-3417

IS - 5

M1 - 1882

ER -