ABSTRACT

In alpine skiing competition as well as in many other sport disciplines, the most important characteristics for successful performances are represented by technical skills. However, specific ability cannot be expressed entirely without the contribution of factors such as courage and appropriate physiological properties. Training progress is based on two main factors, which are at the same time different and related: technical profile and physical conditioning. The improvement of technical skill is connected to neurogenic activity like inter- and intra-muscular co-ordination, activation and deactivation of agonist and antagonist muscles, interaction between proprioceptors (Golgi Tendon Organs vs stretch reflex), which are respectively inhibiting and maximising the potential of neurogenic output, etc. The second factor is related to energetic and metabolic aspects, to supply biochemical energy to the heavy demand required in competition. Cardiocirculatory and respiratory functions serve to transport oxygen to the muscle, while the metabolic profile reflects the enzymatic potential of the mitochondria and the anaerobic metabolism (alactic and lactic power and capacity). Concerning alpine skiing, no conclusive evidence has been reported regarding the role played by various physiological properties in obtaining the best physical conditioning. However, although the duration of the ski races seldom exceed 150s, aerobic power has been strongly connected to successful performance (Astrand and Rodahl, 1986). On the other hand, extensive observations on international-level Italian alpine skiers, suggested that the most successful characteristics were represented by speed-endurance capacity like continuous rebound jumps (Bosco et al. 1983a). Anaerobic power, measured during continuous jumps, has been shown to be the most predictive of alpine-skiing ability (Bosco 1991, White and Johnson, 1991). In addition, while jumping, the activity of torso and back has been shown to present similarities to the muscle requirements of skiing (Karlsson et al, 1978). Furthermore, it must be kept in mind that during skiing the behaviour of leg-extensor muscles follow the so-called “stretch-shortening cycle” activation. This type of muscular activity allows the storing and re-use of elastic energy, thus saving biochemical energy consumption (Cavagna, 1977). In light of the above observations, a new training method was planned for the athletes of The Italian National Alpine Ski Team, which took into consideration the individual physical and physiological characteristics as well. Therefore, at the beginning of the training season, the athletes were evaluated with a large test battery in laboratory and field conditions. These included aerobic and anaerobic (alactic and lactic power and capacity) assessment as well as neuromuscular and sprint performances.