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Physiologic responses of older recreational alpine skiers to different skiing modes

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Abstract

We measured physiological variables in nine older recreational skiers (62.6 ± 5.1 years) who completed a maximal cycle ergometry test and four different skiing modes via ski instructor-guided skiing at moderate altitude. During testing, we measured heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), blood lactate concentration (LA), blood pressure (BP) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The mean values in the laboratory were: HRmax 167 ± 7.9 bpm, VO2peak of 35.7 ± 5.1 ml kg−1 min−1, LAmax 8.9 ± 2.4 mmol l−1 and BP of 228/91 mmHg. The average values of field compared to laboratory test ranged from 48 to 94% of HRmax, VO2 of 22–66% of VO2peak, LA of 0.7–6.0 mmol l−1, RPE during on-snow was 6–17, while BP remained at submaximal level during field tests. Weak correlation was found between laboratory and field tests. Our results suggest that aerobic metabolism predominates on flat and low intensity steep slopes and transitions to anaerobic metabolism on steeper high intensity runs.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to express their appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all volunteer subjects, to Robert Bernecker and Thomas Stöggl for their helpful and constructive input and the team of co-workers from the Institute of Sports Medicine, Institute of Prevention & Rehabilitation of the Paracelsus Private University of Medicine in Salzburg, Austria for their medical assistance and the Bergbahnen Zauchensee, Austria for their encouragement during this research project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Christian Doppler Laboratory, Biomechanics in Skiing, Department of Sport Science and Kinesiology, University of Salzburg, Rifer Schlossallee 49, 5400, Hallein-Rif, Salzburg, Austria

    Peter Scheiber, Sabine Krautgasser, Serge P. von Duvillard & Erich Müller

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  1. Peter Scheiber
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  2. Sabine Krautgasser
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  3. Serge P. von Duvillard
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  4. Erich Müller
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Correspondence to Serge P. von Duvillard.

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Scheiber, P., Krautgasser, S., von Duvillard, S.P. et al. Physiologic responses of older recreational alpine skiers to different skiing modes. Eur J Appl Physiol 105, 551–558 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0934-0

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