Evaluation of a specific test in cross‐country skiing

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Abstract
Six Danish male cross‐country skiers were studied during the end‐of‐summer and winter seasons. Their maximal oxygen uptake was measured while running on a treadmill and using a ski ergometer incorporating the double‐poling technique. Maximal oxygen uptake during treadmill running and double‐poling was correlated with performance, expressed as a ranking score during 10 ski races. The tests were undertaken in September, December and April. Upper body maximal oxygen uptake increased 5.8% from September to December, decreasing to 2.3% above the September level in April. Upper body work output (2 min at maximal intensity) increased 11.8% from September to December (P < 0.05). The relationship between upper body and leg maximal oxygen uptake ‐ the upper body/leg ratio ‐ was 89.4% in September. In four skiers, both treadmill and upper body tests were undertaken on each test occasion. The upper body/leg ratio changed from 87.7% in September to 95.7% in December. In April, the ratio was 91.0%. The maximal oxygen uptake measured using the ski ergometer during double‐poling was significantly correlated with performance (P<0.05). It is concluded that the upper body ski ergometer can be used in the evaluation of elite cross‐country skiers.