Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 41901624 DOI: 10.3390/medicina62030543
Investigation of the Effects of Ski Ergometer-Based Training on Respiratory Functions and Isokinetic Muscle Strength in Cross-Country Skiers.
Medicina (Kaunas) 62(3)
Authors: Buket Sevindik Aktaş, Esedullah Akaras, Muhammet Polat, Sıla Kara, Mine Kılıç
Affiliations
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum 25050, Turkey.
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum 25050, Turkey.
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Institute of Winter Sports and Sports Sciences, Atatürk University, Erzurum 25240, Turkey.
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Institute of Health Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum 25050, Turkey.
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cross-country skiing requires high levels of upper-body strength and efficient respiratory function to sustain performance during sport-specific movements. This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week ski ergometer-based training program on upper-extremity isokinetic muscle strength and pulmonary function in competitive cross-country skiers. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 cross-country skiers voluntarily participated in the study (experimental group: n = 10, control group: n = 10). The research was conducted using a quasi-experimental controlled design. During the eight-week training period, the experimental group performed ski ergometer training three times per week at an intensity of 80-90% of maximal heart rate, with a target distance of 2.5 km per session, in addition to their regular training program. Measurements were obtained before and after the intervention. Results: Following the ski ergometer training period, significant increases were observed in FVC (F = 18.565, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.508) and FEV 1 (F = 8.789, p = 0.008, ηp 2 = 0.328), which were associated with enhanced respiratory muscle endurance and ventilatory capacity. Regarding the isokinetic strength parameters, the DPPE60 variable showed significant main effects of time (F = 33.770, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.652) and time × group interaction (F = 18.590, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.508), indicating higher upper-extremity strength values across the measurement period. Additionally, strong positive correlations were found between dominant and nondominant limbs (r = 0.79-0.92; p < 0.05), indicating balanced bilateral strength development and high neuromuscular coordination. Conclusions: Ski ergometer-based training was associated with improvements in upper-extremity peak power (DPPE60) and ventilatory capacity (FVC) beyond general training-related adaptations. These findings suggest that SkiErg training may be a useful complementary method for enhancing selected performance-related physiological parameters in cross-country skiers.
MeSH
Research Design, Muscles, Muscle Strength