The Influence of a Fast Start Versus a Conservative Start Pacing Strategy on Sprint Roller Skiing Performance in Highly Trained Female Junior Skiers

Abstract

Purpose

Pacing profiles differ substantially in endurance sports with short competition duration (2–4 min). Herein, we investigated the effect of a fast start (FS) versus a conservative start (CS) pacing strategy on sprint time-trial performance in competitive junior cross-country skiers.

Methods

Sixteen females (~ 17 years old) performed two individual self-paced 1.4 km time-trials (TT) in free technique on roller skis separated by 40 min of recovery. Skiers were instructed to perform a FS and CS pacing strategy the first ~ 400-m (~ 1 min) in a randomized order. Split and finish time was determined using radio-based photocells, while speed characteristics were collected with GNSS/IMU sensors. 1–10 Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected retrospectively for 3 points during the TT. Based on mean FS and CS performance, skiers were divided into a Low- (n = 8) and High performers (n = 8).

Results

Overall, the FS strategy induced a faster ~ 400-m time (56.0 ± 3.8 s) than CS (58.7 ± 3.4 s) (P < 0.05), but no differences in finish times were found between strategies for the group as a whole (FS: 213.3 ± 12.0 s; CS, 212.9 ± 10.3 s, P = 0.68). However, High performers skied faster with FS than CS (203.4 ± 7.4 s vs. 205.1 ± 7.1 s; 0.8% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05), whereas the Low performers skied faster with CS than FS (220.7 ± 6.1 s vs. 223.1 ± 5.0 s; 1.1% ± 1.0%, P < 0.05). Independent of performance level, summated RPE during the TT was higher with FS versus CS (23 ± 2 vs. 22 ± 2, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Optimal pacing strategy for TT sprint skiing appears dependent of performance level. A “fast start” strategy was accompanied by higher discomfort during the time-trial.

Keywords

Cross-country skiing / GNSS / Intermittent exercise / Performance / Rate of perceived exertion

References

[1.] Abbiss CR, Laursen PB. Describing and understanding pacing strategies during athletic competition. Sports Med, 2008, 38: 239-252,

[2.] Andersson EP, Govus A, Shannon OM, McGawley K. Sex differences in performance and pacing strategies during sprint skiing. Front Physiol, 2019, pmcid: 6796797

[3.] AsanGrasaas C, Ettema G, Hegge AM, Skovereng K, Sandbakk O. Changes in technique and efficiency after high-intensity exercise in cross-country skiers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2014, 9: 19-24,

[4.] Bellinger P, Derave W, Lievens E, Kennedy B, Arnold B, Rice H, Minahan C. Determinants of performance in paced and maximal 800-m running time trials. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2021, 53: 2635-2644,

[5.] Binkley S, Foster C, Cortis C, de Koning JJ, Dodge C, Doberstein ST, Fusco A, Jaime SJ, Porcari JP. Summated Hazard Score as a Powerful Predictor of Fatigue in Relation to Pacing Strategy. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021, 18: 1984, pmcid: 7922978

[6.] Casado A, Hanley B, Jiménez-Reyes P, Renfree A. Pacing profiles and tactical behaviors of elite runners. J Sport Health Sci, 2021, 10: 537-549,

[7.] de Koning JJ, Bobbert MF, Foster C. Determination of optimal pacing strategy in track cycling with an energy flow model. J Sci Med Sport, 1999, 2: 266-277,

[8.] de Koning JJ, Foster C, Bakkum A, Kloppenburg S, Thiel C, Joseph T, Cohen J, Porcari JP. Regulation of pacing strategy during athletic competition. PLoS ONE, 2011, 6, pmcid: 3024328

[9.] Foss Ø, Hallen J. Validity and stability of a computerized metabolic system with mixing chamber. Int J Sports Med, 2005, 26: 569-575,

[10.] Foster C, Florhaug JA, Franklin J, Gottschall L, Hrovatin LA, Parker S, Doleshal P, Dodge C. A new approach to monitoring exercise training. J Strength Cond Res, 2001, 15: 109-115,

[11.] Gløersen Ø, Kocbach J, Gilgien M. Tracking performance in endurance racing sports: evaluation of the accuracy offered by three commercial GNSS receivers aimed at the sports market. Front Physiol, 2018, 9: 1425, pmcid: 6189485

[12.] Groot S, van de Westelaken LHJ, Noordhof DA, Levels K, de Koning JJ. Recovery of cycling gross efficiency after time-trial exercise. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2018, 13: 1028-1033,

[13.] Haugnes P, Torvik P, Ettema G, Kocbach J, Sandbakk Ø. The effect of maximal speed ability, pacing strategy, and technique on the finish sprint of a sprint cross-country skiing competition. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2019, 14: 788-795,

[14.] Hettinga FJ, De Koning JJ, Schmidt LJ, Wind NA, Macintosh BR, Foster C. Optimal pacing strategy: from theoretical modelling to reality in 1500-m speed skating. Br J Sports Med, 2011, 45: 30-35,

[15.] Karlsson O, Gilgien M, Gloersen ON, Rud B, Losnegard T. Exercise intensity during cross-country skiing described by oxygen demands in flat and Uphill Terrain. Front Physiol, 2018, 9: 846, pmcid: 6046382

[16.] Lima-Silva AE, Bertuzzi RC, Pires FO, Barros RV, Gagliardi JF, Hammond J, Kiss MA, Bishop DJ. Effect of performance level on pacing strategy during a 10-km running race. Eur J Appl Physiol, 2010, 108: 1045-1053,

[17.] Losnegard T, Kjeldsen K, Skattebo O. An analysis of the pacing strategies adopted by elite cross-country skiers. J Strength Cond Res, 2016, 30: 3256-3260,

[18.] Losnegard T, Myklebust H, Hallen J. Anaerobic capacity as a determinant of performance in sprint skiing. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2012, 44: 673-681,

[19.] Losnegard T, Schafer D, Hallen J. Exercise economy in skiing and running. Front Physiol, 2014, 5: 5, pmcid: 3900875

[20.] Losnegard T, Tosterud O, Kjeldsen K, Olstad Ø, Kocbach J. Cross-country skiers with a fast-start pacing pattern increase time-trial performance by use of a more even pacing strategy. Int J Sport Perform physiol., 2022, 17(5): 739-747,

[21.] Menting SGP, Elferink-Gemser MT, Huijgen BC, Hettinga FJ. Pacing in lane-based head-to-head competitions: a systematic review on swimming. J Sports Sci, 2019, 37: 2287-2299,

[22.] Noordhof DA, Mulder RC, Malterer KR, Foster C, de Koning JJ. The decline in gross efficiency in relation to cycling time-trial length. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2015, 10: 64-70,

[23.] Ohtonen O, Lindinger SJ, Göpfert C, Rapp W, Linnamo V. Changes in biomechanics of skiing at maximal velocity caused by simulated 20-km skiing race using V2 skating technique. Scand J Med Sci Sports, 2018, 28: 479-486,

[24.] Roelands B, de Koning J, Foster C, Hettinga F, Meeusen R. Neurophysiological determinants of theoretical concepts and mechanisms involved in pacing. Sports Med, 2013, 43: 301-311,

[25.] Skorski S, Abbiss CR. The manipulation of pace within endurance sport. Front Physiol, 2017, 8: 102, pmcid: 5326767

[26.] Skorski S, Faude O, Abbiss CR, Caviezel S, Wengert N, Meyer T. Influence of pacing manipulation on performance of juniors in simulated 400-m swim competition. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2014, 9: 817-824,

[27.] Sollie O, Gløersen Ø, Gilgien M, Losnegard T. Differences in pacing pattern and sub-technique selection between young and adult competitive cross-country skiers. Scand J Med Sci Sports, 2021, 31: 553-563,

[28.] Spencer MR, Gastin PB. Energy system contribution during 200- to 1500-m running in highly trained athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2001, 33: 157-162,

[29.] Stoggl T, Lindinger S, Muller E. Analysis of a simulated sprint competition in classical cross country skiing. Scand J Med Sci Sports, 2007, 17: 362-372,

[30.] Stoggl T, Pellegrini B, Holmberg HC. Pacing and predictors of performance during cross-country skiing races: A systematic review. J Sport Health Sci, 2018, 7: 381-393, pmcid: 6234023

[31.] Tucker R. The anticipatory regulation of performance: the physiological basis for pacing strategies and the development of a perception-based model for exercise performance. Br J Sports Med, 2009, 43: 392-400,

[32.] Zory R, Vuillerme N, Pellegrini B, Schena F, Rouard A. Effect of fatigue on double pole kinematics in sprint cross-country skiing. Hum Mov Sci, 2009, 28: 85-98,

Funding

Norwegian School Of Sport Sciences - The Library