Effects of Aerodynamic Drag and Drafting on Propulsive Force and Oxygen Consumption in Double Poling Cross-country Skiing

Purpose To investigate the effects of aerodynamic drag and drafting on propulsive force (FPROP), drag area (CDA), oxygen cost (V˙O2), metabolic rate (E˙) and heart rate (HR) during roller skiing on a treadmill in a wind tunnel using the double poling technique. A secondary aim was to investigate the effects of wind versus no-wind test conditions on the same physiological parameters. Methods 10 subjects of each gender participated in the experiments. One pair of skiers of the same gender roller skied simultaneously in line with the air flow; the distance between the skiers was ~2.05 m. Each pair was tested as follows: I) with wind, leading; II) with wind, drafting; III) without wind. The tre…