The relationship between fat oxidation rate and aerobic performance in ski-racers

Aim. The aim of the article is to determine the level of aerobic performance calculated through the rate of fat oxidation (FOR) in ski-racers during the cycle ergometer VO2max test. Materials and methods. Highly skilled ski-racers (n = 24, men) were examined in the general training period. The rate of fat oxidation was determined by indirect calorimetry during the cycle ergometer VO2max test using the Oxycon Pro system. Results. The maximum rate of fat oxidation (MFO) for highly skilled skiers (Master of sport title) was 0.77 g/min, which corresponded to a range of 40-60 % of the VO2max and a high level of aerobic performance. In athletes with a title of the candidate for Master of sport, MFO averaged 0.53 g/min, which corresponded to average aerobic performance. A direct correlation is shown between MFO and oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (AT) (Rs = 0.568; p = 0.003); watt pulse at AT (Rs = 0.594; p = 0.002); VO2max (Rs = 0.390; p = 0.054) that indicates the diagnostic significance of determining aerobic performance through FOR. Conclusions. FOR characterizes the level of aerobic performance and can be used in assessing the functional status of athletes when planning training programs and preventing fatigue.