Background Cross-country skiers perform ~90% of their endurance training volumes as low-intensity train ing (LIT)1, although the underlying mechanisms of LIT are relatively unexplored in the scientific literature. The present study compared self-selected speeds and corresponding physiological re sponses and perceived training stress between one long session vs. two shorter sessions of LIT in one day among skiers. Methods Thirteen national-level male skiers performed two different LIT types during classical roller skiing matched for the same distance in a counterbalanced order. The training consisted of either one long (~3 hours) session (1LIT) or two shorter (~1.5 hour each) sessions (2LIT) with 7 hours of recovery in between. Speed, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate (Bla) were measured, and perceived training stress assessed after sessions. Results 2LIT was performed at 1.9±2.0% higher speeds vs. 1LIT (P=0.01). Higher speeds were also found in the second vs. first session of 2LIT and the second vs. first part of 1LIT (1.9±3.2% and 3.2±3.6%, respectively, both P=0.01). There were no significant differences between LIT types in HR, al though RPE increased in the second vs. first part of 1LIT (0.9±0.8-point P=0.01). Bla was reduced in the second vs. first session/part of both LIT types (~0.16±0.20 mmol·L-1, P=0.05). Higher per ceived muscular exertion (2.0±1.1-point P=0.01) was found directly after 1LIT. Conclusions Compared to a distance-matched long session, skiers perform two shorter sessions of LIT at slightly higher self-selected speeds with the same physiological responses elicited although mi nor differences in perceived training stress were observed.
© Copyright 2022 Book of Abstracts. 4th Nordic Winter Sports Conference "Performance in snow sports: Translating science into practice" 3rd-4th October, 2022, Mid Sweden University, Campus Östersund, Sweden. Published by Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre at Mid Sweden University. All rights reserved.