INTRODUCTION: Holmberg et al. (2005) have shown that double poling involves the lower extremities during cross-country skiing. This lower extremity contribution would not be available to the Paralympic sit-skier. Injured able-bodied athletes may also use double pole ergometry sitting during their recovery. There is a lack of available research to describe physiological responses of sit-ski double poling, therefore the purpose of this study was to determine if physiological differences exist between the seated versus standing positions. METHOD: Twenty collegiate Nordic skiers performed two maximum work tests, at least 24 hours apart, using the double pole technique on a modified VASA Ergometer. One lest was performed in the standing position and the other in a seated position. The protocol began with a cadence of 40 strokes per min and increased by 5 strokes per min each 60 sec until exhaustion. The subject was fitted with a breath-by-breath expired air analysis system and a heart rate monitor which was coded for the expired air system. Data were collected continuously and averaged over 60 sec intervals. Data analysis employed a paired T-test to assess the differences between the two testing positions with alpha level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Table 1 presents means (±SD) for physiological responses during the two tests. DISCUSSION: The subjects used in this study attained higher physiological demands during the stand lest. The sit position in this study eliminated the ability to fully engage the lower extremity and would appear to be the main contributor to the findings. That more muscle is engaged in the standing position is supported indirectly by Holmberg et al. (2006). Part of the observed difference is likely due to the subjects being more specifically trained in the familiar standing position. Also, more work is likely performed by postural support musculature in the standing position. CONCLUSION: The data from this study show significant differences between the physiological responses of seated versus standing double pole ergometry. The results may have implications when using sit-skiing or sitting ergometery as a training mode.
© Copyright 2012 Science and Skiing V. 5th International Congress on Science and Skiing, Dec. 14 - 19, 2010, St. Christoph am Arlberg. Published by Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd.. All rights reserved.