Biomechanical differences in double poling between sexes and level of performance during a classical cross-country skiing competition. Issue 14 (18th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jonsson, Malin; Welde, Boye; Stöggl, Thomas L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 37:Issue 14(2019)
• Page Start: 1582
• Page End: 1590
• Publication Date: 2019-07-18
• Subjects: Cycle characteristics -- heel-raise -- joint angles -- kinematics -- pole angles -- video analysis; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1577119
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Biomechanical differences in double poling (DP) between sex and performance level were investigated in female and male cross-country skiers during a classical race (10/15 km). Skiers were divided into faster and slower on basis of race performance: females faster (n=20), females slower (n=20), males faster (n=20), and males slower (n=20). Based on video analysis while DP in a flat section of the track, joint and pole angles at pole plant (PP) and pole-off, cycle characteristics and the use and coordination pattern of heel-raise (raise of heels from the ground to have a higher body position at PP) were analysed. Faster females and males had 4.3% and 7.8% higher DP velocity than their slower counterparts (both P<0.001). Faster males had 6.5% longer cycles than slower males (P<0.001). Faster skiers stopped heel-raise later than slower skiers (females: 2.0±3.4% vs. −1.0±3.5%, P<0.05; males: 3.9±2.4% vs. 0.8±3.2% of cycle time in relation to PP, P<0.001). At PP, faster skiers and male skiers had a smaller pole angle and greater ankle to hip and ankle to shoulder angle with respect to vertical, resulting in a more distinct forward body lean. However, the majority of the differences are likely due to higher DP velocity.