Decline of physiologic training effects during the competitive season in members of the U.S. Nordic ski team.

Various physiologic parameters were examined during submaximal and maximal treadmill exercise in nine members of the U.S. Nordic Ski Team prior to and following three months of on-snow ski training. In addition, four of this group were re-tested at the conclusion of the competitive skiing season. Results indicate a perceptible increase in training effect during the fall and early winter before starting on the European race circuit with subsequent decline in this effect as measured in the spring. It is suggested that this latter phenomenon occurs at least in part due to lack of adequate training time during the period of long-distance travel and racing.