| 1. |
- Almqvist, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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A Scientific Perspective on Reducing Ski-Snow Friction to Improve Performance in Olympic Cross-Country Skiing, the Biathlon and Nordic Combined
- 2022
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2624-9367. ; 4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Of the medals awarded at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, 24% were for events involving cross-country skiing, the biathlon and Nordic combined. Although much research has focused on physiological and biomechanical characteristics that determine success in these sports, considerably less is yet known about the resistive forces. Here, we specifically describe what is presently known about ski-snow friction, one of the major resistive forces. Today, elite ski races take place on natural and/or machine-made snow. Prior to each race, several pairs of skis with different grinding and waxing of the base are tested against one another with respect to key parameters, such as how rapidly and for how long the ski glides, which is dependent on ski-snow friction. This friction arises from a combination of factors, including compaction, plowing, adhesion, viscous drag, and water bridging, as well as contaminants and dirt on the surface of and within the snow. In this context the stiffness of the ski, shape of its camber, and material composition and topography of the base exert a major influence. An understanding of the interactions between these factors, in combination with information concerning the temperature and humidity of both the air and snow, as well as the nature of the snow, provides a basis for designing specific strategies to minimize ski-snow friction. In conclusion, although performance on “narrow skis” has improved considerably in recent decades, future insights into how best to reduce ski-snow friction offer great promise for even further advances.
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| 2. |
- Andersson, Erik, 1984-, et al.
(författare)
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Biomechanical analysis of the herringbone technique as employed by elite cross-country skiers
- 2014
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0905-7188 .- 1600-0838. ; 24:3, s. 542-552
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This investigation was designed to analyse the kinematics and kinetics of cross-country skiing at different velocities with the herringbone technique on a steep incline. Eleven elite male cross-country skiers performed this technique at maximal, high, and moderate velocities on a snow-covered 15° incline. They positioned their skis laterally (25 to 30°) with a slight inside tilt and planted their poles laterally (8 to 12°) with most leg thrust force exerted on the inside forefoot. Although 77% of the total propulsive force was generated by the legs, the ratio between propulsive and total force was approximately fourfold higher for the poles. The cycle rate increased with velocity (1.20 to 1.60 Hz), whereas the cycle length increased from moderate up to high velocity, but then remained the same at maximal velocity (2.0 to 2.3 m). In conclusion, with the herringbone technique, the skis were angled laterally without gliding, with the forces distributed mainly on the inside forefoot to enable grip for propulsion. The skiers utilized high cycle rates with major propulsion by the legs, highlighting the importance of high peak and rapid generation of leg forces.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Andersson, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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The effects of skiing velocity on mechanical aspects of diagonal cross-country skiing
- 2014
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Ingår i: Sports Biomechanics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1476-3141 .- 1752-6116. ; 13:3, s. 267-284
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cycle and force characteristics were examined in 11 elite male cross-country skiers using the diagonal stride technique while skiing uphill (7.5 degrees) on snow at moderate (3.5 +/- 0.3m/s), high (4.5 +/- 0.4m/s), and maximal (5.6 +/- 0.6m/s) velocities. Video analysis (50Hz) was combined with plantar (leg) force (100Hz), pole force (1,500Hz), and photocell measurements. Both cycle rate and cycle length increased from moderate to high velocity, while cycle rate increased and cycle length decreased at maximal compared to high velocity. The kick time decreased 26% from moderate to maximal velocity, reaching 0.14s at maximal. The relative kick and gliding times were only altered at maximal velocity, where these were longer and shorter, respectively. The rate of force development increased with higher velocity. At maximal velocity, sprint-specialists were 14% faster than distance-specialists due to greater cycle rate, peak leg force, and rate of leg force development. In conclusion, large peak leg forces were applied rapidly across all velocities and the shorter relative gliding and longer relative kick phases at maximal velocity allow maintenance of kick duration for force generation. These results emphasise the importance of rapid leg force generation in diagonal skiing.
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| 6. |
- Bortolan, Lorenzo, et al.
(författare)
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Development of Equipment for Ski Mountaineering, a New Olympic Event
- 2023
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Ingår i: Applied Sciences. - : MDPI. - 2076-3417. ; 13:9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ski mountaineering, a new Olympic winter sport involving both climbing and descending snowy slopes, requires considerable physical and technical abilities, as well as highly specialized equipment. Herein, we briefly describe this equipment and its influence on performance and consider potential future advances. Skis, boots, and bindings must be light enough to facilitate climbing uphill (in which as much as 85% of the total racing time is spent) and, at the same time, provide stability and safety in often-challenging descents. A skier must be able to easily and rapidly attach and remove the adhesive skins under the skis that provide grip while skiing uphill. Poles and their baskets must be designed optimally to transfer propulsive force and help maintain balance. Despite the popularity of ski mountaineering, research on this sport is scarce, and we indicate a number of areas wherein improvements in equipment could potentially advance both performance and safety. Such advances must be based on a better understanding of the biomechanics of ski mountaineering, which could be obtained with novel sensor technology and can be best achieved via more extensive collaboration between researchers, skiers and their coaches, and manufacturers of ski mountaineering equipment.
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| 7. |
- Bortolan, Lorenzo, et al.
(författare)
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Ski Mountaineering : Perspectives on a Novel Sport to Be Introduced at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games
- 2021
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Physiology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-042X. ; 12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ski mountaineering is a rapidly growing winter sport that involves alternately climbing and descending slopes and various racing formats that differ in length and total vertical gain, as well as their distribution of downhill and uphill sections. In recent years, both participation in and media coverage of this sport have increased dramatically, contributing, at least in part, to its inclusion in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Here, our aim has been to briefly describe the major characteristics of ski mountaineering, its physiological and biomechanical demands, equipment, and training/testing, as well as to provide some future perspectives. Despite its popularity, research on this discipline is scarce, but some general characteristics are already emerging. Pronounced aerobic capacity is an important requirement for success, as demonstrated by positive correlations between racing time and maximal oxygen uptake and oxygen uptake at the second ventilatory threshold. Moreover, due to the considerable mechanical work against gravity on demanding uphill terrain, the combined weight of the athlete and equipment is inversely correlated with performance, prompting the development of both lighter and better equipment in recent decades. In ski mountaineering, velocity uphill is achieved primarily by more frequent (rather than longer) strides due primarily to high resistive forces. The use of wearable technologies, designed specifically for analysis in the field (including at elevated altitudes and cold temperatures) and more extensive collaboration between researchers, industrial actors, and coaches/athletes, could further improve the development of this sport.
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| 8. |
- Fornasiero, Alessandro, et al.
(författare)
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Analysis of Sprint Ski Mountaineering Performance
- 2024
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Ingår i: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. - : Human Kinetics. - 1555-0265 .- 1555-0273. ; 19:2, s. 155-163
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 9. |
- Mancina, Rosellina Margherita, et al.
(författare)
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PSD3 downregulation confers protection against fatty liver disease.
- 2022
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Ingår i: Nature metabolism. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2522-5812. ; 4:1, s. 60-75
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a growing health issue with burdening unmet clinical needs. FLD has a genetic component but, despite the common variants already identified, there is still a missing heritability component. Using a candidate gene approach, we identify a locus (rs71519934) at the Pleckstrin and Sec7 domain-containing 3 (PSD3) gene resulting in a leucine to threonine substitution at position 186 of the protein (L186T) that reduces susceptibility to the entire spectrum of FLD in individuals at risk. PSD3 downregulation by short interfering RNA reduces intracellular lipid content in primary human hepatocytes cultured in two and three dimensions, and in human and rodent hepatoma cells. Consistent with this, Psd3 downregulation by antisense oligonucleotides in vivo protects against FLD in mice fed a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-inducing diet. Thus, translating these results to humans, PSD3 downregulation might be a future therapeutic option for treating FLD.
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| 10. |
- Pellegrini, Barbara, et al.
(författare)
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Biomechanical analysis of the “running” vs. “conventional” diagonal stride uphill techniques as performed by elite cross-country skiers
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Sport and Health Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2095-2546 .- 2213-2961. ; 11:1, s. 30-39
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To compare biomechanical aspects of a novel “running” diagonal stride (DSRUN) with “conventional” diagonal stride (DSCONV) skiing techniques performed at high speed. Methods: Ten elite Italian male junior cross-country skiers skied on a treadmill at 10 km/h and at a 10° incline utilizing both variants of the diagonal stride technique. The 3-dimensional kinematics of the body, poles, and roller skis; the force exerted through the poles and foot plantar surfaces; and the angular motion of the leg joints were determined. Results: Compared to DSCONV, DSRUN demonstrated shorter cycle times (1.05 ± 0.05 s vs. 0.75 ± 0.03 s (mean ± SD), p < 0.001) due to a shorter rolling phase (0.40 ± 0.04 s vs. 0.09 ± 0.04 s, p < 0.001); greater force applied perpendicularly to the roller skis when they had stopped rolling forward (413 ± 190 N vs. 890 ± 170 N, p < 0.001), with peak force being attained earlier; prolonged knee extension, with a greater range of motion during the roller ski-stop phase (28° ± 4° vs. 16° ± 3°, p = 0.00014); and more pronounced hip and knee flexion during most of the forward leg swing. The mechanical work performed against friction during rolling was significantly less with DSRUN than with DSCONV (0.04 ± 0.01 J/(m·kg) vs. 0.10 ± 0.02 J/(m·kg), p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that DSRUN is characterized by more rapid propulsion, earlier leg extension, and a greater range of motion of knee joint extension than DSCONV. Further investigations, preferably on snow, should reveal whether DSRUN results in higher acceleration and/or higher peak speed.
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| 11. |
- Pellegrini, Barbara, et al.
(författare)
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Biomechanical and energetic determinants of technique selection in classical cross-country skiing
- 2013
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Ingår i: Human Movement Science. - : Elsevier. - 0167-9457 .- 1872-7646. ; 32:6, s. 1415-1429
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Classical cross-country skiing can be performed using three main techniques: diagonal stride (DS), double poling (DP), and double poling with kick (DK). Similar to other forms of human and animal gait, it is currently unclear whether technique selection occurs to minimize metabolic cost or to keep some mechanical factors below a given threshold. The aim of this study was to find the determinants of technique selection. Ten male athletes roller skied on a treadmill at different slopes (from 0° to 7° at 10km/h) and speeds (from 6 to 18km/h at 2°). The technique preferred by skiers was gathered for every proposed condition. Biomechanical parameters and metabolic cost were then measured for each condition and technique. Skiers preferred DP for skiing on the flat and they transitioned to DK and then to DS with increasing slope steepness, when increasing speed all skiers preferred DP. Data suggested that selections mainly occur to remain below a threshold of poling force. Second, critically low values of leg thrust time may limit the use of leg-based techniques at high speeds. A small role has been identified for the metabolic cost of locomotion, which determined the selection of DP for flat skiing.
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| 12. |
- Pellegrini, Barbara, et al.
(författare)
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Developments in the Biomechanics and Equipment of Olympic Cross-Country Skiers
- 2018
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Physiology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-042X. ; 9:JUL
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Here, our aim was to describe the major changes in cross-country (XC) skiing in recent decades, as well as potential future developments. XC skiing has been an Olympic event since the very first Winter Games in Chamonix, France, in 1924. Over the past decades, considerable developments in skiing techniques and improvements in equipment and track preparation have increased skiing speed. In contrast to the numerous investigations on the physiological determinants of successful performance, key biomechanical factors have been less explored. Today's XC skier must master a wide range of speeds, terrains, and race distances and formats (e.g., distance races with individual start, mass-start or pursuit; knock-out and team-sprint; relays), continuously adapting by alternating between various sub-techniques. Moreover, several of the new events in which skiers compete head-to-head favor technical and tactical flexibility and encourage high-speed techniques (including more rapid development of propulsive force and higher peak forces), as well as appropriate training. Moreover, the trends toward more extensive use of double poling and skiing without grip wax in classical races have given rise to regulations in connection with Olympic distances that appear to have preserved utilization of the traditional classical sub-techniques. In conclusion, although both XC equipment and biomechanics have developed significantly in recent decades, there is clearly room for further improvement. In this context as well, for analyzing performance and optimizing training, sensor technology has a potentially important role to play.
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| 13. |
- Sacchetto, Daniela, et al.
(författare)
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Mammographic density : Comparison of visual assessment with fully automatic calculation on a multivendor dataset
- 2016
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Ingår i: European Radiology. - : Springer. - 0938-7994 .- 1432-1084. ; 26:1, s. 175-183
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To compare breast density (BD) assessment provided by an automated BD evaluator (ABDE) with that provided by a panel of experienced breast radiologists, on a multivendor dataset. Twenty-one radiologists assessed 613 screening/diagnostic digital mammograms from nine centers and six different vendors, using the BI-RADS a, b, c, and d density classification. The same mammograms were also evaluated by an ABDE providing the ratio between fibroglandular and total breast area on a continuous scale and, automatically, the BI-RADS score. A panel majority report (PMR) was used as reference standard. Agreement (kappa) and accuracy (proportion of cases correctly classified) were calculated for binary (BI-RADS a-b versus c-d) and 4-class classification. While the agreement of individual radiologists with the PMR ranged from kappa = 0.483 to kappa = 0.885, the ABDE correctly classified 563/613 mammograms (92 %). A substantial agreement for binary classification was found for individual reader pairs (kappa = 0.620, standard deviation [SD] = 0.140), individual versus PMR (kappa = 0.736, SD = 0.117), and individual versus ABDE (kappa = 0.674, SD = 0.095). Agreement between ABDE and PMR was almost perfect (kappa = 0.831). The ABDE showed an almost perfect agreement with a 21-radiologist panel in binary BD classification on a multivendor dataset, earning a chance as a reproducible alternative to visual evaluation. aEuro cent Individual BD assessment differs from PMR with kappa as low as 0.483. aEuro cent An ABDE correctly classified 92 % of mammograms with almost perfect agreement (kappa = 0.831). aEuro cent An ABDE can be a valid alternative to subjective BD assessment.
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| 14. |
- Stoeggl, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Pacing and predictors of performance during cross-country skiing races : A systematic review
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Sport and Health Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2095-2546 .- 2213-2961. ; 7:4, s. 381-393
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Cross-country skiing (XCS) racing, a popular international winter sport, is complex and challenging from physical, technical, and tactical perspectives. Despite the vast amount of research focusing on this sport, no review has yet addressed the pacing strategies of elite XCS racers or the factors that influence their performance. The aim was to review the scientific literature in an attempt to determine the effects of pacing strategy on the performance of elite XCS racers. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched using relevant subject headings and keywords. Only original research articles published in peer-reviewed journals and the English language and addressing performance, biomechanics, physiology, and anthropometry of XCS racers were reviewed. Results: All 27 included articles applied correlative designs to study the effectiveness of different pacing strategies. None of the articles involved the use of an experimental design. Furthermore, potential changes in external conditions (e.g.,weather, ski properties) were not taken into consideration. A comparable number of studies focused on the skating or classical technique. In most cases, positive pacing was observed, with certain indications that higher-level athletes and those with more endurance and strength utilized a more even pacing strategy. The ability to achieve and maintain a long cycle length on all types of terrain was an important determinant of performance in all of the included studies, which was not the case for cycle rate. In general, uphill performance was closely related to overall race performance, with uphill performance being most closely correlated to the success of female skiers and performance on flat terrain being more important for male skiers. Moreover, pacing was coupled to the selection and distribution of technique during a race, with faster skiers employing more double poling and kick double poling, less diagonal stride, and more V2 (double dance) than V1 (single dance) skating across a race. Conclusion: We propose that skiers at all levels can improve their performance with more specific training in techniques (i.e., maintaining long cycles without compromising cycle rate and selecting appropriate techniques) in combination with training for endurance and more strength. Furthermore, we would advise less experienced skiers and/or those with lower levels of performance to apply a more even pacing strategy rather than a positive one (i.e., starting the race too fast).
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| 15. |
- Stöggl, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of incline, sex and level of performance on kinematics during a distance race in classical cross-country skiing
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (JSSM). - 1303-2968. ; 17:1, s. 124-133
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Here, female and male elite cross-country (XC) skiers were compared on varying terrain during an official 10-km (women) and 15-km (men) Norwegian championship race. On the basis of race performance, 82 skiers were classified as fast (FS) (20 women, 20 men) or slower (SS) (21, 21) skiers. All were video recorded on flat (0°), intermediate (3.5°), uphill (7.1°) and steep uphill (11°) terrain during the race at a distance of 0.8, 1.2, 2.1 and 7.1 km from the start, respectively. All skiers employed exclusively double-poling (DP) on the flat section and, except for the male winner, exclusively diagonal stride (DIA) on the uphill sections. On the intermediate section, more men than women utilized DP and fewer DIA (p = 0.001), with no difference in kick double-poling (DPK). More FS than SS utilized DPK and fewer DIA (p = 0.001), with similar usage of DP. Males skied with faster and longer cycles but lower cycle rate compared with females (p < 0.001), with largest absolute sex differences on flat terrain (p < 0.001) and largest relative differences for cycle velocity and length on intermediate and uphill terrain. External power output rose with increasing incline, being higher for men and FS (p < 0.001). Cycle velocity on flat terrain was the best predictor of mean race velocity for the men, while cycle velocity on steep uphill was the best predictor for the women (both p < 0.001). In conclusion, incline, sex and level of performance influenced cycle characteristics and power output. Greatest absolute sex gap was on flat terrain, whereas the relative difference was greatest on intermediate and steep uphill terrain. We recommend usage of more DP and/or DPK, and less DIA and fewer transitions between techniques on intermediate terrain. Predictors of race performance are sex specific with greatest potential for enhancing performance on flat terrain for men and on steep uphill terrain for women.
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| 16. |
- Welde, Boye, et al.
(författare)
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The pacing strategy and technique of male cross-country skiers with different levels of performance during a 15-km classical race
- 2017
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 12:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study the pacing strategy, cycle characteristics and choice of technique of elite male cross-country (XC) skiers during a three-lap, 15-km classical race with interval start were measured. During the Norwegian Championships in 2016, fast (n = 18, age: 26±4 yr; height: 182±4 cm; body mass: 78±3 kg (means±SD)) and slow skiers (n = 18, age: 22±2 yr; height: 183±5 cm; body mass: 78±6 kg) were video recorded on flat (0), intermediate (3.5) and uphill sections (7.1) of the first and final laps. All skiers adopted a positive pacing strategy, skiing more slowly (11.8%) with shorter cycles (11.7%) on the final than first lap (both p<0.001; pη2 = 0.93 and 0.87, respectively). The fast skiers were 7.0% faster overall (p<0.001, d = 4.20), and 6.1% (p<0.001, d = 3.32) and 7.0% (p<0.001, d = 3.68) faster on the first and final laps, respectively, compared to slower skiers. On all sections of both laps, the fast skiers exhibited 9.5% more rapid (pη2 = 0.74) and 8.9% (pη2 = 0.48) longer cycles (both p<0.001). On intermediate terrain, the fast skiers employed primarily double poling (DP, 38.9% on the first lap) and double poling with a kick (DPKICK, 50% on the final lap). In contrast, the slow skiers utilized for the most part DP alone (lap 1: 33.3%, lap 3: 38.9%) or in combination with other techniques (lap 1: 33.3%, lap 3: 38.9%) and decreased their usage of DPKICK from 27.8% on the first to 16.7% on the final lap. Skiing velocity on flat and intermediate terrain proved to be the best predictor of race performance (p<0.001). In conclusion, during a 15-km classical XC skiing race, velocity and cycle length decreased from the first to the final lap, most extensively on flat terrain and least uphill. Moreover, on the intermediate sections the fast and slow skiers chose to use different techniques.
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| 17. |
- Zoppirolli, Chiara, et al.
(författare)
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Biomechanical determinants of cross-country skiing performance : A systematic review
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Sports Sciences. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0264-0414 .- 1466-447X. ; 38:18, s. 2127-2148
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cross-country skiing is a complex endurance sport requiring technical skills, in addition to considerable physiological and tactical abilities. This review aims to identify biomechanical factors that influence the performance of cross-country skiers. Four electronic databases were searched systematically for original articles in peer-reviewed journals addressing the relationship between biomechanical factors (including kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation) and performance while skiing on snow or roller skiing. Of the 46 articles included, 22 focused exclusively on the classical technique, 18 on the skating technique, and six on both. The indicators of performance were: results from actual or simulated races (9 articles); speed on specific tracts (6 articles); maximal or peak speed (11 articles); skiing economy or efficiency (11 articles); and grouping on the basis of performance or level of skill (12 articles). The main findings were that i) cycle length, most often considered as a major determinant of skiing speed, is also related to skiing economy and level of performance; ii) higher cycle rate related with maximal speed capacity, while self-selected cycle rate improves skiing economy at sub-maximal speeds; iii) cross-country skiing performance appears to be improved by joint, whole-body, ski, and pole kinematics that promote forward propulsion while minimizing unnecessary movement.
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| 18. |
- Zoppirolli, Chiara, et al.
(författare)
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Following a Long-Distance Classical Race the Whole-Body Kinematics of Double Poling by Elite Cross-Country Skiers Are Altered
- 2018
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Physiology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-042X. ; 9:JUL
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Although short-term (approximately 10-min) fatiguing DP has been reported not to alter the joint kinematics or displacement of the centre of mass (COM) of high-level skiers, we hypothesize that prolonged DP does change these kinematics, since muscular strength is impaired following endurance events lasting longer than 2 h. Methods: During the 58-km Marcialonga race in 2017, the fastest 15 male skiers were videofilmed (100 fps, FHD resolution in the sagittal plane) on two 20-m sections (inclines: 0.7 +/- 0.1 degrees) 48 km apart (i.e., 7 and 55 km from the start), approximating 50-km Olympic races. The cameras were positioned perpendicular to and about 40 m from the middle of each section and spatial dimensions adjusted for each individual track skied. Pole and joint kinematics, as well as displacement of the COM during two DP cycles were assessed. Results: The 10 skiers who fulfilled our inclusion criteria finished the race in 2 h 09 min 19 s +/- 28 s. Displacements of the joints and COM were comparable to previous observations on skiers roller skiing on a flat treadmill at similar speeds in the laboratory. 55 km after the start, cycle velocity and length were lower (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively) and the angular range of elbow joint flexion during the initial part of the poling phase reduced, while shoulder angle was greater during the first 35% of the DP cycle (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the ankle angle was increased and forward displacement of the COM reduced during the first 80% of the cycle. Conclusion: Prolonged DP reduced the forward displacement of the COM and altered arm kinematics during the early poling phase. The inefficient utilization of COM observed after 2 h of competition together with potential impairment of the stretch-shortening of arm extensor muscles probably attenuated generation of poling force. To minimize these effects of fatigue, elite skiers should focus on maintaining optimal elbow and ankle kinematics and an effective forward lean during the propulsive phase of DP.
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| 19. |
- Zoppirolli, Chiara, et al.
(författare)
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The effectiveness of stretch-shortening cycling in upper-limb extensor muscles during elite cross-country skiing with the double-poling technique
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Electromyography & Kinesiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1050-6411 .- 1873-5711. ; 23:6, s. 1512-1519
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This investigation was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of stretch-shortening cycling (SSCEFF) in upper-limb extensor muscles while cross-country skiing using the double-poling technique (DP). To this end, SSCEFF was analyzed in relation to DP velocity and performance. Eleven elite cross-country skiers performed an incremental test to determine maximal DP velocity (V-max). Thereafter, cycle characteristics, elbow joint kinematics and poling forces were monitored on a treadmill while skiing at two sub-maximal and racing velocity (85% of Vmax). The average EMG activities of the triceps brachii and latissimus dorsi muscles were determined during the flexion and extension sub-phases of the poling cycle (EMG(FLEX), EMG(EXT)), as well as prior to pole plant (EMG(PRE)). SSCEFF was defined as the ratio of aEMG(FLEX) to aEMG(EXT). EMG(PRE) and EMG(FLEX) increased with velocity for both muscles (P < 0.01), as did SSCEFF (from 0.9 +/- 0.3 to 1.3 +/- 0.5 for the triceps brachii and from 0.9 +/- 0.4 to 1.5 +/- 0.5 for the latissimus dorsi) and poling force (from 253 +/- 33 to 290 +/- 36 N; P < 0.05). Furthermore, SSCEFF was positively correlated to Vmax, to EMG(PRE) and EMG(FLEX) (P < 0.05). The neuromuscular adaptations made at higher velocities, when more poling force must be applied to the ground, exert a major influence on the DP performance of elite cross-country skiers. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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