The effect of training on aerobic power characteristics of young cross-country skiers.

The influences of growth, training and various training methods were investigated by analysing long-term training effects in young cross-country and biathlon skiers (n = 129). Some athletes (n = 49) were studied six times in three years and some at least once a year during a four year period (n = 48). During three summer training periods skiers emphasized either intensive training or distance training or continued to train normally. The results indicated that maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and heart volume increased between 15 and 20 years of age and the most significant changes in heart volume were observed between 16 and 18 years of age. International level skiers were able to increase their VO2 max and heart volume even after 20 years of age. Anaerobic threshold (AT, ml kg-1 min-1) increased like VO2 max but when expressed as a percentage of VO2 max, the AT was similar in every age group over 16 years of age. Intensive training at the intensity of anaerobic threshold or higher was observed to be most effective in producing improvements in VO2 max. Low-intensity distance training was more effective in producing improvements in anaerobic threshold.