Characteristics and Performance of Male Citizen Cross-Country Ski Racers

Abstract

Forty-three male citizen or recreational cross-country (X-C) ski racers (aged 31±4.4 years) were tested to determine their weight (BW) and percent body fat (BF), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), quadriceps (Quad), hamstrings (Ham) and upper body (UBS) isokinetic strength (60°, 180°, 240°/s), and Quad endurance. In addition, skiers filled out a questionnaire to determine their skiing experience and to see what other activities they participated in. All these variables were run through a stepwise regression procedure to see which characteristics best predicted performance in a 10km X-C ski race. The relatively high VO₂max of 56.6 ml O₂/kg/min and low BF of 10.1% indicate this group to be a very fit subset of the general population. All the skiers were active in other sports on a year-round basis. Of the variables studied, UBS, VO₂max, and Quad strength were all significant determinants of 10 km race performance, yielding a multiple R of 0.78. Quad endurance, Ham strength, BW, BF, and experience did not significantly contribute toward the prediction of performance. It is felt that a proper training program for the citizen X-C skier should strive to maximize upper body strength as well as one's aerobic capacity.

Key words

oxygen uptake - body fat - isokinetic strength - cross-country skiing - recreational athletes - ski racing