AEROBIC CAPACITY IN CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS AT ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD AND VO2 max

Abstract

Aim. This study investigated gender-specific differences in aerobic capacity parameters among cross-country skiers, focusing on the ratio of anaerobic threshold and VO_{2 max} and the contribution of external respiration indices to oxygen delivery mechanisms. Materials and methods. A sample of cross-country skiers (21 females and 10 males) underwent incremental load testing on a Cosmos Quasar treadmill, with concurrent gas analysis to assess aerobic capacity. Results. Male athletes demonstrated superior aerobic capacity in VO_{2 max} power zones compared to anaerobic threshold zones. Gender disparities were observed in the anaerobic threshold / VO_{2 max} ratio: while males demonstrated higher values in some cases, females surpassed them in others. However, the results obtained at VO_{2 max} consistently exceeded those obtained at anaerobic threshold across both groups. Conclusion. Aerobic capacity utilization at anaerobic threshold and VO₂ levels was more efficient in males, attributable to inherent genetic and physiological advantages. The results obtained underscore the need for gender-specific training protocols in cross-country skiers for performance enhancement.