Exploring physiological parameters in ski mountaineering during world cup races

The aim of this study was to explore the physiological changes induced by a vertical race and see how they are progressing the next day during individual race. A total of 10 elite skiers (19.4 ± 2.4 years) were evaluated before and after a vertical race and an individual race during a week end of World Cup. The parameters measured were as follows: heart rate, lactate, lung function by spirometry and body composition by bioelectrical impedance. During vertical race, mean heart rate (HR) values were around 93.1 ± 3.1% of theoretical HRmax. Before individual race, lactate concentration was significantly higher (+1.0 ± 1.6 mmol.l−1), whereas mid maximal expiratory flow rate and muscle mass (fall was around 700 g or 2.2% of muscle mass) were significantly lower compared to before vertical race. Metabolic activity indicator tended to be lower before individual race than before vertical race (6.8 ± 0.7 vs. 7.3 ± 1.3, p = 0.07). The high physiological demand of vertical race induces metabolic fatigue, loss of muscle mass and pulmonary impairment. Theses disturbances observed the next day before individual race indicate an incomplete recovery between the two races. That is why we recommend using method of recovery, especially nutritional strategy after vertical race.