Factor profiles of functional and technical fitness in Nordic combined skiers during multiyear preparation

Aim. The article deals with establishing the differences in the functional and technical fitness of Nordic combined skiers during multiyear preparation. Material and methods. To establish the factor profiles of the functional and technical fitness in Nordic combined skiers, we examined athletes at different stages of multiyear preparation: 40 athletes - initial preparation, 35 athletes - 2-year training program, 40 athletes - more than 2-year training program, 30 athletes - sports performance enhancement. The structure of functional and technical fitness was established with the help of factor analysis. Results. The comparative analysis of the factor structure of functional and technical fitness in Nordic combined skiers revealed the significant differences at each stage of multiyear training. It was established that during the stage of initial preparation and 2-year training program the most important factors are the nervous system (eye-hand visual reaction time, reaction to a moving object, interference resistance) and jumping fitness (angle characteristics during the run-up, take-off, flight, and landing), which create favorable conditions for forming the basics of ski-jumping technique in Nordic combined skiers. After 2-year training program and at the stage of performance enhancement the leading factors of physical fitness are determined by the cardiovascular (the Ruffier test, recovery constant, and Health integral indicator) and respiratory (VO2max, the Shtange's and Hench's breath test) systems, as well as ski racing technique (angle characteristics at different phases), which are favorable for the enhancement of ski racing technique. Conclusions. The results obtained allow the coaches to effectively improve functional and technical fitness and adjust training loads to the specifics of a certain stage of multiyear training.