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- Lundberg, T. R., et al.
(author)
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The International Olympic Committee framework on fairness, inclusion and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations does not protect fairness for female athletes
- 2024
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. - : Wiley. - 0905-7188 .- 1600-0838. ; 34:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently published a framework on fairness, inclusion, and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations. Although we appreciate the IOC's recognition of the role of sports science and medicine in policy development, we disagree with the assertion that the IOC framework is consistent with existing scientific and medical evidence and question its recommendations for implementation. Testosterone exposure during male development results in physical differences between male and female bodies; this process underpins male athletic advantage in muscle mass, strength and power, and endurance and aerobic capacity. The IOC's “no presumption of advantage” principle disregards this reality. Studies show that transgender women (male-born individuals who identify as women) with suppressed testosterone retain muscle mass, strength, and other physical advantages compared to females; male performance advantage cannot be eliminated with testosterone suppression. The IOC's concept of “meaningful competition” is flawed because fairness of category does not hinge on closely matched performances. The female category ensures fair competition for female athletes by excluding male advantages. Case-by-case testing for transgender women may lead to stigmatization and cannot be robustly managed in practice. We argue that eligibility criteria for female competition must consider male development rather than relying on current testosterone levels. Female athletes should be recognized as the key stakeholders in the consultation and decision-making processes. We urge the IOC to reevaluate the recommendations of their Framework to include a comprehensive understanding of the biological advantages of male development to ensure fairness and safety in female sports.
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| 2. |
- Sandbakk, Ø., et al.
(author)
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The velocity and energy profiles of elite cross-country skiers executing downhill turns with different radii
- 2014
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In: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. - 1555-0265 .- 1555-0273. ; 9:1, s. 41-47
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study examined the influence of turn radius on velocity and energy profiles when skidding and step turning during more and less effective downhill turns while cross-country skiing. Thirteen elite female cross-country skiers performed single turns with a 9- or 12-m radius using the skidding technique and a 12- or 15-m radius with step turning. Mechanical parameters were monitored using a real-time kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System and video analysis. Step turning was more effective during all phases of a turn, leading to higher velocities than skidding (P < .05). With both techniques, a greater radius was associated with higher velocity (P < .05), but the quality of turning, as assessed on the basis of energy characteristics, was the same. More effective skidding turns involved more pronounced deceleration early in the turn and maintenance of higher velocity thereafter, while more effective step turning involved lower energy dissipation during the latter half of the turn. In conclusion, the single-turn analysis employed here reveals differences in the various techniques chosen by elite cross-country skiers when executing downhill turns of varying radii and can be used to assess the quality of such turns. © 2014 Human Kinetics, Inc.
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| 5. |
- Hegge, A. M., et al.
(author)
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Gender differences in power production, energetic capacity and efficiency of elite cross-country skiers during whole-body, upper-body, and arm poling
- 2016
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In: European Journal of Applied Physiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1439-6319 .- 1439-6327. ; 116:2, s. 291-300
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: To characterize gender differences in power output, energetic capacity and exercise efficiency during whole-body (WP), upper-body (UP), and arm poling (AP). Methods: Ten male and ten female elite cross-country skiers, matched for international performance level, completed three incremental submaximal tests and a 3-min self-paced performance test on a Concept2 SkiErg. Power output, cardiorespiratory and kinematic variables were monitored. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: The men demonstrated 87, 97 and 103 % higher power output, and 51, 65 and 71 % higher VO2peak (L min−1) than the women during WP, UP and AP, respectively, while utilizing ~10 % more of their running VO2max in all modes (all P < 0.001). The men had 35, 38 and 59 % more lean mass in the whole body, upper body and arms (all P < 0.001). The men exhibited greater shoulder and elbow extension at the start of poling and greater trunk flexion at the end of poling (all P < 0.05). The relationship between VO2 and power output did not differ between the men and women. Conclusions: Gender differences in power production and peak aerobic capacity increased sequentially from WP to UP to AP, coinciding with a greater portion of the muscle mass in the arms of the men. Although the men and women employed each poling technique differently, the estimated efficiency of double poling was independent of gender.
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| 6. |
- Pellegrini, B., et al.
(author)
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Methodological Guidelines Designed to Improve the Quality of Research on Cross-Country Skiing
- 2021
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In: Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2096-6709 .- 2662-1371. ; 3:3, s. 207-223
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cross-country (XC) ski races involve a variety of formats, two different techniques and tracks with highly variable topography and environmental conditions. In addition, XC skiing is a major component of both Nordic combined and biathlon competitions. Research in this area, both in the laboratory and field, encounters certain difficulties that may reduce the reliability and validity of the data obtained, as well as complicate comparisons between studies. Here, 13 international experts propose specific guidelines designed to enhance the quality of research and publications on XC skiing, as well as on the biathlon and Nordic combined skiing. We consider biomechanical (kinematic, kinetic and neuromuscular) and physiological methodology (at the systemic and/or muscle level), providing recommendations for standardization/control of the experimental setup. We describe the types of measuring equipment and technology that are most suitable in this context. Moreover, we also deal with certain aspects of nomenclature of the classical and skating sub-techniques. In addition to enhancing the quality of studies on XC skiing, Nordic combined and biathlon, our guidelines should also be of value for sport scientists and coaches in other disciplines where physiological and/or biomechanical measurements are performed in the laboratory and/or outdoors.
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