Effect of Aerobic High-Intensity Interval Training on VO2max and Anaerobic Power in Cross-Country Skiers

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether eight weeks of aerobic high-intensity interval training with roller ski is effective in cross-country skiers. 10 male (age, 18.28 ± 2.1 years; height, 171.26 ± 4.12 cm; weight 61.39 ± 6.28 kg) and 8 female (age, 16.05 ± 0.3 years; height, 158.3 ± 6.47 cm; weight, 49.34 ± 0.7 kg) junior cross country skiers completed the study. All skiers performed a 2 × 2-km all-out uphill intervals with roller-skis, 3 times a week, in addition to their traditional training program. Measurements included VO2max (maximal oxygen uptake), anaerobic power, and also for 2-km roller ski. All values were listed as pre-to post-test mean (± SD), significant level, and percentage changes (%). Pre-to post-testing changes in VO2max, anaerobic power, and also 2-km roller ski performance were significantly higher during all post-test trials in all groups (P < 0.005). With reference to the training effects found in our study, we suggest that the skiers should integrate the roller ski aerobic high-intensity interval uphill models in their training programs for improving performance.