Methods for evaluating peak oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold in upper body of cross-country skiers

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to develop a standard protocol for evaluating peak oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold during upper body work by cross-country skiers. Methods: All tests were performed on a specially developed ski ergometer and incorporated the double poling technique. In series I, continuous and discontinuous protocols for measuring (V) over dot O-2peak at different inclinations of the ski ergometer were performed. In series II, a protocol for evaluating anaerobic threshold during upper body work was established. Eleven well trained regional male cross-country skiers participated in the study. Ail tests in each series were carried out during a period of 14 d. Results: (V) over dot O-2peak did not differ using continuous or discontinuous protocol while working on the ski ergometer. Inclination was found to influence (V) over dot O-2peak which was reduced at 7 degrees compared with 3 degrees, 5 degrees, and 6 degrees. Th-an working on the ski ergometer was reached at a power output, (V) over dot O-2, or f(c), which gave on average a blood lactate concentration of 1.8 mmol.L-1 higher than those found after the warm-up period during a graded protocol. Conclusions: Testing only the traditional Th-an and (V) over dot O-2max while running on a treadmill hides important determinants of endurance in cross-country skiing as shown by that no correlation was found between (V) over dot O-2max and (V) over dot O-2peak in the present study.