This research article investigates how lower leg muscles and tendons function during the diagonal-style technique of cross-country skiing. By studying high-level skiers on a treadmill, researchers discovered that muscle fascicles shorten while the muscle-tendon unit simultaneously stretches and recoils, a phenomenon known as uncoupling. This mechanical behavior allows skiers to save energy and amplify power, mirroring the efficient dynamics found in human running and jumping. The study specifically highlights that increasing skiing speed or slope steepness requires higher levels of muscle activation, though the specific shortening velocity of the fascicles decreases on steeper inclines. Ultimately, the data suggests that skiers utilize a brief preload phase at the end of their glide to prepare for a powerful, efficient propulsive kick.
SOURCE
Werkhausen, Amelie et al. “Muscle function during cross-country skiing at varying speed and incline conditions.” The Journal of experimental biology (2023): n. pag.