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Cross Country Poling Specific Motor Skill- and Strength Training.

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Healthy
Interventions
Other: training intervention, motor skill training
Other: training intervention, maximal strength training
Other: control group
Registration Number
NCT03078673
Lead Sponsor
University of South-Eastern Norway
Brief Summary

Will motor skill- and/or strength training affect technique, work economy and time performance in cross-country poling? Competitive cross-country skiers (age 16- 30) will perform a 10 weeks training intervention. They will be randomized in one of the following three groups: poling specific motor skill training 3 times per week in addition to their regular training, maximal strength training 3 times per week in addition to their regular training and a control group who only perform their regular training. Pre- and post intervention, all participants will perform tests in VO2max (running), VO2max (poling), work economy (poling), video and inertial measurement unit (IMU) analyzes of poling technique, time performance test (poling), motor skill tests and maximal strength tests.

Detailed Description

Motor Skill- and Maximal Strength Training; Importance for Technique, Work Economy and Time Performance in Cross Country Poling Purpose The relative use of poling in classic cross-country skiing has increased over the last years. (Danielsen et al 2015). As a result of this poling performance has become increasingly important for over all classic cross-country skiing performance. Poling performance with best possible technical skills, implying high velocity with a least possible energy cost (C) should thus be beneficial. Previous research (Østerås et al 2002) has shown improved work economy in poling after maximal strength training (MST). To the investigators knowledge, the effect of motor skill training (MOT) on C has not previously been investigated. In this study MOT and MST will therefore be investigated (in two different groups of cross-country skiers), how they may affect poling technique, C, lactate threshold (LT) and poling performance. The results from this study may give further insight and knowledge in scientific based training practice.

The purpose of this study is thus to investigate if:

1. MOT results in technical changes in poling?

2. MST results in technical changes in poling?

3. MOT improves C in poling?

4. MST improves C in poling?

5. changes in 1-4 improves time performance in poling?

In order to investigate this, competitive cross-country skiers (age 16- 30) will perform a 10 weeks training intervention. They will be randomized in one of the following three groups: poling specific motor skill training (10-12 x 3 repetitions maximum, RM) in specific designed cross country exercises 3 times per week in addition to their regular training. Further, maximal strength training in squat, dead lift, bench press, bench pull and pull down (2-5 x 3 repetitions RM) 3 times per week in addition to their regular training and a control group who only perform their regular training. Pre- and post intervention, all participants will perform tests in VO2max (running), VO2max (poling), work economy (poling), video and IMU analyzes of poling technique, time performance test (poling), motor skill tests and maximal strength tests.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
45
Inclusion Criteria
  • healthy, competitive cross country athletes 16-30 years old
Exclusion Criteria
  • contraindications to maximal strength training and strength and endurance testing

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Motor skill trainingtraining intervention, motor skill trainingtraining intervention. Poling specific indoor motor skill exercises performed 3 times pr week for 10 weeks in addition to regular training
Maximal strength trainingtraining intervention, maximal strength trainingtraining intervention. Maximal strength exercises performed 3 times pr week for 10 weeks in addition to regular training
Control groupcontrol groupOnly regular training
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Time trial poling on a roller ski tarmac track10 weeks

Seconds used in a 6 km track.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max, ml/kg/min) in poling on treadmill10 weeks

Ergospirometrical incremental (ramp) protocols using Cortex Metalyzer. Unique outcome measure.

Poling economy10 weeks

Measurement of oxygen consumption per meter poling. Unique outcome measure.

Analyzes of angular velocity by use of IMU (inertial movement devices)10 weeks

Degree/second by use of gyrometer from the Musclelab System from Ergotest Technology. Unique outcome measure.

Maximal leggpress power (Watt)10 weeks

Watts in leggpress by use of Musclelab.System (Ergotest Technology). Unique outcome measure.

Lactate threshold (mmol/L blood) in poling on treadmill10 weeks

Measurement of lactate using Lactate Scout (EKF Diagnostics) in different submaximal work periods up to the point reaching warm up values plus 2,3 mmol/L. Unique outcome measure.

Analyzes of external force (N) in poles during poling10 weeks

Force measurements by use of the Musclelab System from Ergotest Technology. Unique outcome measure.

Maximal pulldown strength (RM/kg)10 weeks

Kilos in pulldown. Unique outcome measure.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max, ml/kg/min) in running on treadmill10 weeks

Ergospirometrical incremental (ramp) protocols using Cortex Metalyzer. Unique outcome measure.

Video analyzes of technique10 weeks

Joint angles. Unique outcome measure.

Maximal leggpress strength (RM/kg)10 weeks

Kilos in leggpress. Unique outcome measure.

Maximal pulldown power (Watt)10 weeks

Watts in pulldown by use of Musclelab.System (Ergotest Technology). Unique outcome measure.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Telemark UC

🇳🇴

Bø, Telemark, Norway

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