This thesis examined how cross-country skiers perceive and prepare for winter hazards. A self-completion questionnaire was administered to cross-country skiers in northern Utah. The questions on the questionnaire were designed to explore the relationships that affect how skiers perceive and prepare for winter hazards. Additionally, the situation where skiers put themselves at risk due to lack of information as opposed to skiers placing themselves at risk through the desire to confront nature's dangers was explored. Variables that were contained in these relationships were correlated and the degree of correlation was measured. Those that sought information on the day surveyed were more likely to perceive and prepare for winter hazards than those that didn't seek information. Additionally, experienced skiers were more likely to perceive and prepare for winter hazards. However, experienced skiers were more likely to be involved in other risk recreation activities and to consider risk important in their ski experience than less experienced skiers. Skiers that believed skiing to be central to their life interests were more likely to seek avalanche hazard information and be more prepared than those that didn't seek avalanche information. Results suggest more research is needed to determine the most effective techniques of disseminating hazard information to cross-country skiers. Moreover, different survey techniques, such as naturalistic inquiries, should be used to extract hazard perception and preparation information from skiers.

Introduction: Alpine skiing has changed since the 1990s and it is unclear what sport specific strength is within modern alpine elite skiing. Purpose: The aim of this study was to create a strength profile and to investigate what sport specific strength is within alpine elite skiers. Method: A total number of 24 participant took part in this cross-sectional study, where eleven alpine elite skiers were compared with thirteen well-trained strength athletes with different sports background. The participants were tested in squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ) as well as isometric, isokinetic concentric and isokinetic eccentric strength with different dynamic velocities. In addition to these tests, reaction strength index (RSI) and eccentric utilization ratio (EUR) were calculated. Correlation analyses were performed to investigate if there were any relationships between the jump test variables and the isometric and eccentric strength tests. Results: The SKI group jumped higher in relation to their bodyweight (BW) in SJ (P>0,01), CMJ (P>0,05) and DJ (P>0,01). The SKI group also showed significantly higher RSI values (P>0,05). For the strength tests, the SKI group performed significantly better in all the eccentric velocities (P>0,05), the isometric test (P>0,01) and in the slowest concentric velocity (P>0,01). The SKI group showed significantly higher strength values (P>0,05) in relative isometric strength with knee angles between 20°-60°, where the largest significant difference appeared at 25° (P>0,001). No significant differences were found in the absolute values in either the jump or the strength tests. Only moderate (r=0,30-0,49) significant (P>0,05) correlations were found between the fastest eccentric tests and the SJ and DJ within all athletes. No significant correlations were found within the SKI group alone. Conclusion: This study presented evidence that sport specific strength for alpine elite skiers may primarily consist of isometric strength, training in slow concentric velocities and general eccentric training. The results indicate that the sport specific strength for alpine elite skiers does not include concentric training in moderate and fast concentric movements.

No description available.

Title of the thesis: Characterization of training of skibobbers in Jablonec nad Jizerou Aim of the thesis: The aim of the thesis is to characterize a training plan throughout a whole year, to learn the training difficulties during various periods and to show differences and similarities with training plans of skiers. Methods: Search of literature focused on training of skiers a learning of biomechanical aspects of ski-driving. There is a very few pieces of literature dealing with skibobs. Therefore most of the information is gain from trainers in Jablonec nad Jizerou, especially from the current representation trainer. The training plans of skier and skibobber are completed from available sources (interview, notes). Training analysis and their differences were done by deductive analysis. Results: Characterization of training units of skibobber and skier is very similar. The differences were found in training composition where in case of a skibobber there is more emphasis laid on strengthening his or her arms. This kind of training is also more frequent than in case of a skier. Thanks to more bicycles training and motion activities for strengthening arms. Skibbobers have also more frequent participation in various races. However, this depends on individual efficiency. Key words: skiers, skibobbers,...

Tourism sector has been one of the most affected sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the sectors that comprises economies in many countries is ski sector. However, the winter season 2020/2021 was suspended in many ski destinations all over the world. The aim of this research is to investigate the adaptation of downhill skiers to ski area closures in the Czech Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology draws upon an online discussion forum which provides good data for a content analysis, a method used for both quantitative and qualitative approaches. By utilizing both approaches a good comprehension of downhill skiers' adaptation to ski area closures in the Czech Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic is provided. Particularly, four key findings can be concluded based on this research. Firstly, both the quantitative and qualitative analyses have shown that information substitution was the most frequent one among all discussion forum users. Secondly, involuntary/forced substitution proved to be a significant form of behavioural adaptation and should be considered especially when assessing the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic or dealing with other threats and challenges such as natural disasters, wars, terrorist attacks or another pandemic. Thirdly, the great number of non-substitutional responses mentioned in the discussions' posts was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fourthly, female downhill skiers do not participate in online discussion forums as much as male downhill skiers. Potential reasons for this are also discussed.

Introduction Performance in cross-country skiing is influenced by the skier’s ability to continuously produce propelling forces and force magnitude in relation to the net external forces. A surrogate indicator of the “power supply” in cross-country skiing would be a physiological variable that reflects an important performance-related capability, whereas the body mass itself is an indicator of the “power demand” experienced by the skier. To adequately evaluate an elite skier’s performance capability, it is essential to establish the optimal ratio between the physiological variable and body mass. The overall aim of this doctoral thesis was to investigate the importance of body-mass exponent optimization for the evaluation of performance capability in cross-country skiing. Methods In total, 83 elite cross-country skiers (56 men and 27 women) volunteered to participate in the four studies. The physiological variables of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and oxygen uptake corresponding to a blood-lactate concentration of 4 mmol∙l-1 (V̇O2obla) were determined while treadmill roller skiing using the diagonal-stride technique; mean oxygen uptake (V̇O2dp) and upper-body power output (Ẇ) were determined during double-poling tests using a ski-ergometer. Competitive performance data for elite male skiers were collected from two 15-km classical-technique skiing competitions and a 1.25-km sprint prologue; additionally, a 2-km double-poling roller-skiing time trial using the double-poling technique was used as an indicator of upper-body performance capability among elite male and female junior skiers. Power-function modelling was used to explain the race and time-trial speeds based on the physiological variables and body mass. Results The optimal V̇O2max-to-mass ratios to explain 15-km race speed were V̇O2max divided by body mass raised to the 0.48 and 0.53 power, and these models explained 68% and 69% of the variance in mean skiing speed, respectively; moreover, the 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the body-mass exponents did not include either 0 or 1. For the modelling of race speed in the sprint prologue, body mass failed to contribute to the models based on V̇O2max, V̇O2obla, and V̇O2dp. The upper-body power output-to-body mass ratio that optimally explained time-trial speed was Ẇ ∙ m-0.57 and the model explained 63% of the variance in speed. Conclusions The results in this thesis suggest that V̇O2max divided by the square root of body mass should be used as an indicator of performance in 15-km classical-technique races among elite male skiers rather than the absolute or simple ratio-standard scaled expression. To optimally explain an elite male skier’s performance capability in sprint prologues, power-function models based on oxygen-uptake variables expressed absolutely are recommended. Moreover, to evaluate elite junior skiers’ performance capabilities in 2-km double-poling roller-skiing time trials, it is recommended that Ẇ divided by the square root of body mass should be used rather than absolute or simple ratio-standard scaled expression of power output. / <p>Incorrect ISBN in printed thesis: 973-91-7601-270-3</p>

XXI olimpinės žiemos žaidynės, vykusios 2010 metais Kanados Vankuverio mieste buvo jau šeštos, kuriose startavo Lietuvos sportininkai. XIX olimpinėse žiemos žaidynėse Solt Leik Sityje 2002 metais pirmą kartą į slidinėjimo lenktynių programą buvo įtrauktos sprinto lenktynės, o XX olimpinėse žiemos žaidynėse Turine buvo vykdomos individualios ir komandinės sprinto lenktynės. Vankuverio žiemos olimpinėse žaidynėse Lietuvos slidininkai pirmą kartą startavo komandinio sprinto rungtyje. Šioms sprinto rungtims Lietuvos slidininkai rengėsi specialiai, vykdydami programoje „Vankuveris-2010“ numatytus uždavinius. Vankuverio žiemos olimpinėse žaidynėse tiriamųjų slidininkų sprinterių pasiekti rezultatai sprinto distancijose buvo įvertinti patenkinamai. Tyrimo tikslas ir uždaviniai - ištirti Lietuvos didelio meistriškumo slidininkų sprinterių rengimo ypatumus metiniu priešolimpiniu ciklu, nustatyti Lietuvos slidininkų sprinterių fizinio išsivystymo, fizinių ir funkcinių galių rodiklių kaitą metiniu rengimosi ciklu, apibendrinti Lietuvos slidininkų sprinterių varžybų sezono rezultatus. Slidininkų sprinterių rengimo technologija iš esmės skiriasi nuo slidininkų rengimosi ilgesniems nuotoliams. Visgi tai reikėtų pagrįsti moksliniais tyrimais. Buvo organizuotas dviejų Lietuvos slidininkų sprinterių veiklos tyrimas. Išanalizuotas fizinis krūvis, atliktas metiniu treniruočių ciklu. Atskirų mezociklų veiksmingumui įvertinti buvo atliekami laboratoriniai tyrimai. Buvo matuojami fizinio... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / XXI Olympic Winter Games were held in 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. That was already the sixth Games for the Lithuanian athletes. First time individual sprint was included in the cross-country skiing program in XIX Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City in 2002, after four years in XX Olympic Winter Games in Turin the cross-country skiing program had two sprint events: individual and team sprint. Lithuanian cross-country skiers first time took part in the team sprint event in Vancouver Winter Olympics Games. Lithuanian skiers were prepared specifically for the performance of the program "Vancouver-2010" objectives. The results of the Lithuanian skiers in individual and team sprints events in Vancouver Winter Olympics were assessed as satisfactory. The aims and objectives of research - to explore the cross-country skiing training program features of Lithuanian athletes in the last training macrocycle before Olympics, to estimate changes of physical and functional characteristics of Lithuanian cross-country skier’s sprinters physical development on preparations for the macrocycle, and summarize the results of Lithuanian skiers. Training Technology of cross-country skiers sprinters is basically different than cross-country skiers of longer distant. However, it should be based on scientific research. Sports action research of two Lithuanian cross-country skiers’ sprinters was organized. physical activity of training macrocycle were analyzed. Laboratory tests were conducted to... [to full text]

The aim of this thesis was to examine how the media representation of elite skiers Anna Holmlund and Thomas Fogdö was altered following their accidents resulting in disabilities. In order to examine this a critical discourse analysis was performed on 16 newspaper articles from Tidningarnas Telegrambyrå, Expressen, Dagens Nyheter, Göteborgs-posten, Sundsvalls Tidning and Aftonbladet, out of which eight of them had been published before the skiers respective accidents and the other eight afterwards. The results showed that swedish newspapers shifted their focus from how the skiers performed in competitions prior to their accidents to how their bodies functioned and how they would perform everyday tasks following the accidents. We found that this would distance Holmlund and Fogdö, representing them as deviants when compared to non-disabled people. In contrast to this we found that Holmlund and Fogdö would be allowed to talk about or show their lives and bodies in great detail. This would seem to function as a way of teaching non-disabled people of what it’s like to live with a disability. Through this Holmlund and Fogdö were represented as ambassadors for the disabled collective. We also found that there was a risk of objectification which would increase in connection with a decrease in Holmlund and Fogdö’s represented ability to communicate and function as a non-disabled person does. This also appears to increase the risk of having one’s voice excluded by other people talking in one’s place.

Introduction Performance in cross-country skiing is influenced by the skier’s ability to continuously produce propelling forces and force magnitude in relation to the net external forces. A surrogate indicator of the “power supply” in cross-country skiing would be a physiological variable that reflects an important performance-related capability, whereas the body mass itself is an indicator of the “power demand” experienced by the skier. To adequately evaluate an elite skier’s performance capability, it is essential to establish the optimal ratio between the physiological variable and body mass. The overall aim of this doctoral thesis was to investigate the importance of body-mass exponent optimization for the evaluation of performance capability in cross-country skiing. Methods In total, 83 elite cross-country skiers (56 men and 27 women) volunteered to participate in the four studies. The physiological variables of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and oxygen uptake corresponding to a blood-lactate concentration of 4 mmol∙l-1 (V̇O2obla) were determined while treadmill roller skiing using the diagonal-stride technique; mean oxygen uptake (V̇O2dp) and upper-body power output (Ẇ) were determined during double-poling tests using a ski-ergometer. Competitive performance data for elite male skiers were collected from two 15-km classical-technique skiing competitions and a 1.25-km sprint prologue; additionally, a 2-km double-poling roller-skiing time trial using the double-poling technique was used as an indicator of upper-body performance capability among elite male and female junior skiers. Power-function modelling was used to explain the race and time-trial speeds based on the physiological variables and body mass. Results The optimal V̇O2max-to-mass ratios to explain 15-km race speed were V̇O2max divided by body mass raised to the 0.48 and 0.53 power, and these models explained 68% and 69% of the variance in mean skiing speed, respectively; moreover, the 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the body-mass exponents did not include either 0 or 1. For the modelling of race speed in the sprint prologue, body mass failed to contribute to the models based on V̇O2max, V̇O2obla, and V̇O2dp. The upper-body power output-to-body mass ratio that optimally explained time-trial speed was Ẇ ∙ m-0.57 and the model explained 63% of the variance in speed. Conclusions The results in this thesis suggest that V̇O2max divided by the square root of body mass should be used as an indicator of performance in 15-km classical-technique races among elite male skiers rather than the absolute or simple ratio-standard scaled expression. To optimally explain an elite male skier’s performance capability in sprint prologues, power-function models based on oxygen-uptake variables expressed absolutely are recommended. Moreover, to evaluate elite junior skiers’ performance capabilities in 2-km double-poling roller-skiing time trials, it is recommended that Ẇ divided by the square root of body mass should be used rather than absolute or simple ratio-standard scaled expression of power output. / <p>Incorrect ISBN in printed thesis: 973-91-7601-270-3</p>