INTRODUCTION: There are many factors that may affect the performance of cross-country skiers [1]. Years ago, we were sure the most important performance determining parameter was maximal oxygen consumption [2]. However, the fact that the diversity of competition has increased to the present, and in particular, that sprint races have become widespread has resulted in certain changes in this consideration of ours. The increase in the speed factor in races led strength and speed to gain importance among motoric abilities [3]. Other than performance, the strength parameter is also quite important in the increase of balance and in the minimization of the risk of injury [4]. The aim of this study is to examine the dominant leg strengths of the athletes who have been involved in skiing for more than 10 years. METHOD: Eighteen volunteer select male cross-country skiers within an age range of 19.712.4 years, a height of 173.6±6.5, body weight of 68.8±8.0 and BMI of 22.6±2.4, and who had been involved in sports for an average period of 10.5±1.5 years. The tests applied a Cybex II Norm. The result was obtained after Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test. The value of p<0.05 was accepted for statistical significance. DISCUSSION: It was determined in the peak torques, 60° and 180° measurements of the right dominant skiers in the study, that there was not any significant difference in the comparison of right and left legs for quadriceps, hamstring and ratio. When the other studies are examined, some of them state that exercises increasing the dominant leg strength should be included in the sports branches (specifically soccer, basketball and handball) and this positively contributes to performance [5]. On the other hand, some researchers state that dominant leg factor is not so important for performance [6]. However, it is a very important fact that an increase in the rate of dominant leg strength is proportionate to the risk of injury [7]. The results of the study may cause the sportsmen's levels of right and left leg strength to be calculated close to each other because of the characteristics of the branch of skiing race. CONCLUSION: As a consequence, we can state that the strength of both legs of skiers is similar and the concept of dominant leg is not very effective.
© Copyright 2010 Book of Abstracts. 5th International Congress on Science and Skiing, Dec. 14 - 19, 2010, St. Christoph am Arlberg. Veröffentlicht von University of Salzburg, Interfakultärer Fachbereich Sport- und Bewegungswissenschaft/USI. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.