Aerobic capacity test

For whom?  The test is for elite cross-country skiers and competitive recreational athletes.

Why? A long aerobic capacity test is completed in order to measure an individual’s endurance capacity and maximal oxygen uptake. The test tells us about the distance skiing capacity (when the skiing distance is over 5 km) and its development over time. The test should be done two to three times a season in order to monitor the athletes’ physical condition and to get direct training guidance based on the existing situation.

How? This test is done on a large treadmill using either pole walking, roller skiing with double poling technique, or roller skiing with Gear 3 (V2) skating technique. The test protocol consists of three-minute loads that increase such that loads become progressively harder. In the pole walking test both speed and gradient are increased gradually while during the skiing tests (DP and G3) only the speed increases and a constant uphill gradient is used. Each test is done until voluntary exhaustion in order to determine the maximal oxygen uptake and corresponding workload. Blood lactate is measured from the fingertip between every load when the treadmill is paused. Expired breathing gases are measured during the test using an ergospirometer.

What does the customer get? The customer will get a report that contains information about their aerobic and anaerobic thresholds as well as maximal oxygen uptake.  Based on these parameters, the athlete will get heart rate zones for different intensity levels and guidelines for training. In addition, special technique guidance is provided from the roller skiing tests for each athlete. During the test, video is captured by cameras located to the side and rear of the athlete. Technical parameters (REF) are also collected and analyzed with the Coachtech system. After the test, the athlete will be provided with credentials for the Coachtech online feedback system where the videos and parameters can be viewed and compared to previous tests.

 

Aerobic Capacity Test – Protocol

 

Coachtech skiing test variables and definitions HERE!