| 1. |
- Bortolan, Lorenzo, et al.
(author)
-
Ski Mountaineering : Perspectives on a Novel Sport to Be Introduced at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games
- 2021
-
In: Frontiers in Physiology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-042X. ; 12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)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.
|
|
| 2. |
- Fornasiero, Alessandro, et al.
(author)
-
Analysis of Sprint Ski Mountaineering Performance
- 2024
-
In: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. - : Human Kinetics. - 1555-0265 .- 1555-0273. ; 19:2, s. 155-163
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)
|
|
| 3. |
- Fornasiero, Alessandro, et al.
(author)
-
Participation and performance by women and men in ski-mountaineering sprint races during the past decade
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. - : Edizioni Minerva Medica. - 0022-4707 .- 1827-1928. ; 63:6, s. 707-712
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The sprint is one of the two ski-mountaineering disciplines that will be held at the coming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (Italy). To date little information exists on this novel Olympic discipline.METHODS: We characterized retrospectively the participation and performance in international male and female ski mountaineering sprint races from November 2012 to April 2022. Potential associations between sex and season with participation, as well as between sex, period, round and final ranking with parameters of performance were examined with linear-mixed models.RESULTS: The minimal performance time required for success (i.e., being eligible for the next round/winning a medal) decreased progressively from the qualifications (Qs) to the final (F). Finalists adopted a conservative strategy in the Qs, improving their performance in the quarter-finals (QFs) and semifinals (SFs). The best and second-best male skier and the best female skier improved their performances even further in the F, which appears to be a key feature for success. For women, the number of participants and level of competition increased over the decade, whereas male participation did not. During the last two seasons, male sprint winners performed relatively more slowly in the preliminary rounds leaving more room for improvement in the F, which could reflect increased specialization in this discipline.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide novel insights into ski-mountaineering sprint races that can guide competition strategies and could be of considerable importance in connection with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (Italy).
|
|
| 4. |
- Mourot, Laurent, et al.
(author)
-
Second Ventilatory Threshold From Heart-Rate Variability : Valid When the Upper Body Is Involved?
- 2014
-
In: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. - 1555-0265 .- 1555-0273. ; 9:4, s. 695-701
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To determine the most accurate method based on spectral analysis of heart-rate variability (SA-HRV) during an incremental and continuous maximal test involving the upper body, the authors tested 4 different methods to obtain the heart rate (HR) at the second ventilatory threshold (VT2). Sixteen ski mountaineers (mean +/- SD; age 25 +/- 3 y, height 177 +/- 8 cm, mass 69 +/- 10 kg) performed a roller-ski test on a treadmill. Respiratory variables and HR were continuously recorded, and the 4 SA-HRV methods were compared with the gas-exchange method through Bland and Altman analyses. The best method was the one based on a time-varying spectral analysis with high frequency ranging from 0.15 Hz to a cutoff point relative to the individual's respiratory sinus arrhythmia. The HR values were significantly correlated (r(2) = .903), with a mean HR difference with the respiratory method of 0.1 +/- 3.0 beats/min and low limits of agreements (around -6 /+ 6 beats/min). The 3 other methods led to larger errors and lower agreements (up to 5 beats/min and around -23/+ 20 beats/min). It is possible to accurately determine VT2 with an HR monitor during an incremental test involving the upper body if the appropriate HRV method is used.
|
|
