Physical fitness is associated with better technical performance in adolescent alpine ski racers after controlling for practice time: A retrospective regression analysis

In an effort to evaluate the mechanisms underpinning performance in alpine ski racing, researchers have focused on the predictive validity of measures derived from fitness assessments. However, a limitation of this literature is the absence of practice time, since prolonged training may naturally de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of sports sciences 2021-02, Vol.39 (4), p.380-387
Main Authors: DeCouto, Brady S., Fawver, Brad, Taylor, Troy, Williams, Andrew Mark
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerobic
Aerobic capacity
anaerobic
Cognitive ability
jump
Physical fitness
Physical training
Racing performance
Regression analysis
sport
Teenagers
Training
Weightlifting
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Summary:In an effort to evaluate the mechanisms underpinning performance in alpine ski racing, researchers have focused on the predictive validity of measures derived from fitness assessments. However, a limitation of this literature is the absence of practice time, since prolonged training may naturally develop specific fitness capacities, making some tests of physical ability less predictive of performance. We examine the relationship between fitness tests, practice, and performance using linear regressions with fitness test data, practice history data, and performance results from adolescent alpine ski racers attending professional development academies in the United States (N = 82). Only aerobic capacity (i.e. 20 m shuttle run) was significantly associated with more practice time. After controlling for practice hours, 5.5-6.5% of variance in ski performance was significantly explained by assessments of lower body power (i.e. standing long jump, triple jump), anaerobic capacity (i.e. 60 s box jump), and upper body strength/endurance (i.e. push-ups). Findings highlight the important role of anaerobic power on alpine ski racing performance, which may be developed outside of regular practice, possibly through weight training or physical maturation. The small variance explained by physical/physiological measures suggests that superior ski performance is likely a product of various skills and characteristics (e.g. technical, tactical, perceptual-cognitive, psychosocial).
ISSN:0264-0414
1466-447X
DOI:10.1080/02640414.2020.1823088