On the effects of upper-body sprint-interval training on maximal strength and aerobic Power in female cross-country skiers

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown that sex differences in cross-country skiers become more pronounced with increasing power contribution from the upper-body and, hence, women may have a particularly large potential to improve their upper-body capacity and DP performance. Therefore, this study compared the effects of adding upper-body sprint-intervals or continuous endurance to female cross-country skiers’ normal training regime on maximal upper-body strength and endurance adaptations. METHOD: In total, 17 female skiers (age: 18.1±0.8yr, body mass: 60±7 kg, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 3.30±0.37 L.min-1) performed an 8-week intervention training period. Here, either two weekly sessions of six to eight 30-s maximal upper-body double poling intervals (SIG, n=8) or 45-75 min of continuous low-to-moderate intensity double poling on roller skis (CG, n=9) were added to their training. Before and after the intervention, the participants were tested for physiological responses during maximal diagonal and double poling treadmill roller skiing. Additionally, maximal upper-body strength (1RM) in a poling-specific strength exercise was measured. RESULTS: SIG improved absolute VO2max in diagonal skiing more than CG (8% vs 2%, p