INTRODUCTION: High levels of lower limb strength have been suggested to be an important factor for competing in top-level alpine skiing. However, SPEED and technical (TECH) disciplines have different characteristics that may require specific neuromuscular qualities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare lower limb force control and fatigability between SPEED and TECH elite alpine skiers. METHODS: Alpine skiers from the Italian Federation of Winter Sports categorized as SPEED or TECH (using FIS points) and with a ranking < 50 were considered (26 males and 23 females). They performed three sets of eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CONC) contractions on a custom-built motorized leg press. The three sets had respective durations of 20, 60 and 90 s (4-17 reps) and were separated by 3 min of rest. Athletes were asked to accurately generate forces of 1.7-1.9 and 2.5-2.8 times bodyweight during the CONC and ECC phase, females and males, respectively, and force control (accuracy) was quantified as the time on target (%). Countermovement jump (CMJ) peak force was assessed at baseline and after the 60-s and 90-s sets to investigate fatigability. Differences between SPEED and TECH were analyzed using linear mixed models. P values and effect sizes are reported. RESULTS: Males SPEED were more accurate than TECH in the CONC phase of the 60-s and 90-s sets (p = 0.02-0.04, 0.86-0.94). Both males and females SPEED showed lower fatigability than TECH as CMJ peak force was less reduced after the 60-s and 90-s sets (p = 0.01-0.03, 0.90-1.17). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Elite alpine skiers showed a high degree of specialization in neuromuscular characteristics according to the discipline. SPEED male skiers exhibited a greater ability to modulate concentric force during leg-press exercise and lower fatigability compared to TECH skiers.
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