Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.69589/hsv.41.1.9
The effect of systematic practice of snow sports on fundamental indicators of aerobic performance in students
Krastio Zgurovski
; Department of “Kinesitherapy and Rehabilitation”, National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski” Sofia, Bulgaria
Milena Zdravcheva
; Department of “Snow sports”, National sports academy “Vasil Levski” Sofia, Bulgaria
Borislava Petrova
; Department of “Kinesitherapy and Rehabilitation”, National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski” Sofia, Bulgaria
Sažetak
The snow sports course is a mandatory module at the Vasil Levski National Sports Academy, held in a highaltitude environment (2000 m above sea level). It combines technique training and intense aerobic training in real-world conditions, which stresses the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems. Winter sports such as alpine and cross-country skiing are highly aerobic and can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in students who do not engage in other sports. The present study aims to assess the effects of a 14-day winter snow sports course on cardiorespiratory fitness, energy expenditure, and aerobic adaptation in students without prior active sports participation. The study involved 52 students (23 men and 29 women) who underwent a maximal cardiopulmonary step test (CPET) before and after the course. Parameters such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max), metabolic equivalent (METS), maximal mechanical power, pulse rate, and body weight were measured. The course included daily alpine skiing training and one day of cross-country skiing with a total duration of up to 5 hours per day in altitude conditions. VO₂max and METS increased significantly in both sexes, with the effect stronger in men. A slight decrease in body weight was observed in men, which was associated with higher energy expenditure. Maximal mechanical power improved significantly in both women and men. Pulse rate remained stable, suggesting good adaptation without cardiac stress. The decrease in HRmax% in men, together with enhanced aerobic performance, indicates increased cardiovascular efficiency. The 14-day winter course leads to significant improvements in aerobic performance in men and women. Despite physiological differences between genders, the program proved effective in increasing students’ cardiorespiratory endurance and functional training. The course serves as structured aerobic and adaptation training in a real high-altitude environment and supports the development of healthy motor habits and physical resilience. The results highlight the potential of short-term winter training programs to improve cardiorespiratory endurance and overall physical performance in young people. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying adaptation to moderate-altitude physical exertion.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
348763
URI
Datum izdavanja:
30.6.2026.
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