Energetics and biomechanics of double poling in regional and high-level cross-country skiers

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the energetics and the biomechanics of double poling technique (DP) in two groups of cross-country skiers. Methods Eight high-level (HLG) and eight regional-level (RLG) skiers performed a 5-min sub-maximal DP trial, roller skiing on a treadmill at 14 km h −1 and 2°. Energetic cost (EC DP ), center of mass (COM) vertical displacement range, body inclination ( θ , i.e., the angle between the vertical line and the line passing through COM and a fixed pivot point identified at feet level) and mechanical work associated to COM motion were analyzed. Pole and joint kinematics, poling forces and cycle timing were also considered. Results HLG showed lower EC DP than RLG, smaller COM vertical displacement range and mechanical work, whereas higher θ during the early part of the poling phase ( P