The influence of a rocking-motion device built into classic cross-country roller-ski bindings on biomechanical, physiological and performance outcomes

• This study aimed to determine whether the recently developed Flow Motion Technology(R) roller-ski prototype could improve indicators of performance during sub-maximal and maximal cross-country roller skiing. Thirteen national and international cross-country skiers completed 2 experimental trials: 1 with Flow Motion Technology(R) activated, allowing a rocking motion between the foot and ski binding, and 1 with the foot fixed in a traditional manner. Each trial included 2 sub-maximal bouts using the diagonal-stride and double-poling sub-techniques, as well as a double-poling maximal velocity test and a diagonal-stride 6-min time trial. There were no differences in performance between Flow Motion Technology(R) and traditional roller skiing during the maximal velocity test or the time trial. However, reductions in mean plantar force during sub-maximal diagonal stride (p = 0.011) and ankle range of motion during sub-maximal (p = 0.010) and maximal (p = 0.041) diagonal stride were observed with Flow Motion Technology(R) versus traditional roller skiing. This, together with a reduced minimum horizontal distance of the hips in front of the ankles during sub-maximal double poling (p = 0.001), indicated impaired technique with Flow Motion Technology(R), which may have contributed to the trend for reduced gross efficiency during double poling with Flow Motion Technology(R) ((p)eta(2) = 0.214). Significant physiological differences included a reduced sub-maximal double poling respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.03) and a greater maximal heart rate during the time trial (p = 0.014) with Flow Motion Technology(R). We conclude that the application of Flow Motion Technology(R) requires further examination before use in training and competition.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Idrottsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Sport and Fitness Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Equipment

Gross efficiency

Kinematics

Product development

Technique

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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