Physiological comparison of uphill roller skiing: diagonal stride versus double pole.

The physiological responses to treadmill roller skiing with the double pole (DP) and diagonal stride (DS) techniques were compared at 1.7% and 7.1% grades among eight cross-country ski racers. Oxygen uptake (VO2) requirements were found to be lower (P < 0.05) for DP at the 1.7% grade, but similar at the 7.1% grade. In contrast, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and percentages of technique-specific peak VO2 were similar between techniques at the 1.7% grade, and lower (P < 0.05) for DS at the 7.1% grade. RPE and percentages of technique-specific peak VO2 were strongly correlated (r = 0.89). The primary findings indicate that 1) the economies for DP and DS are dependent upon the incline, 2) it is possible for the economy of DP to be greater than DS although the percentages of technique-specific peak VO2 are similar, and 3) the perceived effort associated with the use of DP and DS reflects the percentage of technique-specific peak VO2.