INTRODUCTION: Unlike able-bodied skiers, sit-skiers rely solely on poling for forward propulsion. Thus, any changes impacting poling mechanics may have a large influence on sit skier performance. While able-bodied skiers show a negative correlation between oxygen uptake and pole length [1], whether this is also true in sit-skiers remains unknown. Manipulating pole length may also influence cycle kinematics [2], a change with potential direct bearings on performance as faster sit-skiers have longer cycle lengths. Given these gaps in knowledge, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the metabolic and kinematic effects of changing pole lengths on Para Nordic sit-skiers. METHODS: Six elite Para Nordic sit-skiers participated in this study. Oxygen consumption and pole kinematics were recorded while skiing on a roller ski treadmill using four different pole lengths: habitual (H), ~ 2.5 cm shorter (S), ~ 2.5 cm longer (L1), and ~ 5.0 cm longer (L2). All trials were four minutes at a constant 3.5% grade, with order randomized. Oxygen consumption was measured using a wearable metabolic cart while IMUs were placed on the poles, just distal to the grip, and used to calculate cycle time (CT), cycle rate (CR), cycle length (CL), plant time (PT), and swing time (SW). Linear mixed-effects models with Tukey post hoc tests were used to evaluate the effects of pole length on dependent variables. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: There were no significant fixed effects of pole length for any of the physiologic variables (all p > .05). However, there were significant fixed effects of pole length for CT (p < .001), CR (p < .001), CL (p < .005), PT (p < .001), and SW (p < .005, Table 1). Pairwise comparisons showed that CT, CL, PT, and SW all increased from the H condition to the L2 condition, while CR decreased (all p < .05, Table 1). CONCLUSION: Changing pole length does not influence metabolic cost but does affect cycle kinematics in sit-skiers. Increasing pole length may be one way to improve efficiency in sit-skiing with no additional metabolic cost. However, it is important to consider that this study was performed on a ski treadmill at a set speed and grade, and thus may not reflect the variable conditions found on snow or mixed terrain courses.
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