Coach and sport scientist (PhD). Physical preparation coach, instructor, researcher. Research interests: strength and power, eccentric overload, alpine ski racing. Coached or coaches athletes in a variety of sports. World, Olympic and European champions and medallists. Alpine ski racing, athletics, bobsleigh, gymnastics, judo, luge, skeleton, snowboard cross, speed skating, swimming, taekwondo, wrestling. Supervisors: Dr. Christian Raschner
Eccentric muscular work plays a large role in alpine ski racing. Training with supramaximal eccen... more Eccentric muscular work plays a large role in alpine ski racing. Training with supramaximal eccentric loads (SME) is highly effective to improve eccentric strength but potentially dangerous. Most SME training devices do not allow the athlete to move a barbell freely as they would when performing conventional barbell training. The Intelligent Motion Lifter (IML) allows for safe SME training with a free barbell and no spotters. The IML can be used for free barbell training: a spotter for normal training, eccentric only, concentric only, and squat jumps. It is also a training and testing device for isokinetic and isometric exercise. This commentary addresses the necessity of eccentric training for elite alpine ski racers, the development of the IML and its use in training.
Neurological diseases or deficits after an accident often lead to balance dysfunction. Sensorimot... more Neurological diseases or deficits after an accident often lead to balance dysfunction. Sensorimotor training on unstable surface is therefore an important aspect of gait therapy. MFT S3 Check offers an assessment method for the functional evaluation of body stability and sensorimotor regulation capability of both leg dexterity. The assessment method is the basis for newly developed training equipment for sensorimotor feedback (Coordi). According to scientific studies, visual feedback leads to an improvement in motivation and information reception and optimises the harmony between sensoric and motoric ability. The assessment method is made up of quasi-static and dynamic gait exercises for the patients. It also comprises of five different levels of difficulty and the possibility of putting together an individual training protocol. This gives the therapist the choice of adapting the training to the performance level and needs of each individual as well as carrying out an individualised...
The long record of consistent success in all age groups of Austrian alpine ski racers is due to a... more The long record of consistent success in all age groups of Austrian alpine ski racers is due to an optimized training environment. One of many factors is physical preparation. The physical preparation program of the Austrian Ski Federation ski racers has for years included tests in which specially designed test devices and computer programs are utilized. The testing series for the Austrian ski team members include the following devices: Biodex balance and coordination tests, Isometric power tester (max. isometric strength tests of knee and hip extension), Back Check (max. isometric core strength tests). MLD (barbell squat jumps and counter movement jumps with varying loads), Kistler force plate (CMJ, special power jump tests & reactive strength). Contrex (concentric/eccentric maximal strength & strength endurance of the hip and knee extensors) & Ski start test (maximal force and impulse of right and left pole-pushes as well as the acceleration). The development of physical preparedn...
In recreational alpine skiing, ACL injury risk is 3 times greater in females. However, since the ... more In recreational alpine skiing, ACL injury risk is 3 times greater in females. However, since the introduction of carving skis ACL injury risk seems to have decreased. No study has yet investigated the distribution of ACL injury mechanisms in male and female carving skiers. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate potential gender specific differences of ACL injury mechanisms and related factors among carving skiers. In total, 220 recreational carving skiers (59 males and 161 females) suffering from an ACL injury volunteered for this study. Demographic data, skiing ability, equipment related and environmental factors, circumstances and causes for the fall, and type of fall (injury mechanisms) were collected by questionnaire. The forward twisting fall is the most reported ACL injury mechanism in both gender (p=0.672) accounting for 54% of all injuries, although male and female skiers differed significantly with regard to circumstances of fall (p=0.001) and actions when ACL i...
This study investigated the 4-year development of anaerobic power and capacity in Austrian elite ... more This study investigated the 4-year development of anaerobic power and capacity in Austrian elite female alpine ski racers and examined the relationship between the 2-minute loaded repeated jump test (LRJT) results and ski racing performance (International Ski Federation (FIS) points). Ten Austrian elite female ski racers were tested prior to four racing seasons. The LRJT consisted of 48 loaded countermovement jumps (LCMJs) with barbell load equivalent to 20% bodyweight. Before the LRJT, maximal body mass normalized average power of a single LCMJ (PMAX) was determined. The mean jump power was calculated across all jumps in the test (P0-120). Anaerobic power (PMAX) in season 2 (32.3 ± 2.3 W·kg-1) significantly improved over season 1 (30.5 ± 2.3 W·kg-1) (p < 0.05) but there were no further differences between seasons, with season 3 at 33.5 ± 3.4 W·kg-1 and season 4 at 33.6 ± 3.0 W·kg-1. Anaerobic capacity (P0-120) increased up to season 3 by 9.2% (27.1 ± 2.8 to 29.6 ± 2.4 W·kg-1), b...
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether anthropometric and fitness characteristics... more Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether anthropometric and fitness characteristics have changed between former and current elite male and female Austrian young ski racers (U11–U15). Methods: A battery of anthropometric, general, and skiing-specific fitness tests was conducted annually. In total, 1517 participants (846 males, 671 females) who were tested in 2005–2009 (“former athletes” n = 805) and 2015–2019 (“current athletes” n = 712) were included. Independent t tests and Cohen d were calculated to compare the two 5-y periods, separated by sex and age group. The level of significance was set at P
Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the trunk strength capacity of alpine ski ra... more Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the trunk strength capacity of alpine ski racers aged 10–18 years, who were tested during the last 15 years, to identify reference values for trunk flexor to extensor strength ratios according to age and sex. Methods In total, 2841 participants (1605 males, 1236 females; 10–18 years) were included, who were pupils of a famous skiing-specific secondary modern school or members of the provincial ski team between 2006 and 2020. The maximum isometric trunk flexion and extension strength was measured using the slightly modified Back Check. Sex-specific differences were assessed with Student’s t test or Mann–Whitney-U test. Univariate analyses of variance or Kruskal–Wallis-H tests were used to assess differences between age groups. Descriptive sex- and age-specific reference values were calculated (norm area: mean ± ½ standard deviation). Results Sex-specific differences were found for both flexion (starting at 11 years) and extension s...
Alpine ski racing demands a multitude of technical skills and excellent physical abilities. Longi... more Alpine ski racing demands a multitude of technical skills and excellent physical abilities. Longitudinal systematic fitness testing and supervision of training in young alpine ski racers is one key factor in the success of the Austrian ski teams. The established norm profiles for sport motor function and fitness tests in all age groups of ski racers can help in detecting
Alpine ski racing demands a multitude of technical skills and excellent physical abilities. Longi... more Alpine ski racing demands a multitude of technical skills and excellent physical abilities. Longitudinal systematic fitness testing and supervision of training in young alpine ski racers is one key factor in the success of the Austrian ski teams. The established norm profiles for sport motor function and fitness tests in all age groups of ski racers can help in detecting
Sports Medicine, Training and Rehabilitation, 1997
This study examined the acute effect of varied interval lengths and work: recovery (W:R) ratios o... more This study examined the acute effect of varied interval lengths and work: recovery (W:R) ratios on the ability to reach and maintain a high level of aerobic power. Eight female rowers (mean XVO2max of 3.46 [0.64] L · min) completed 1 continuous and 7 interval sessions on a Concept II rowing ergometer. Exercise intensity was set at a power output
Featured Application: The Intelligent Motion Lifter is a new mechatronic strength training device... more Featured Application: The Intelligent Motion Lifter is a new mechatronic strength training device that allows safe and effective strength training with supramaximal loads. Abstract: Eccentric muscular work plays a large role in alpine ski racing. Training with supramaximal eccentric loads (SME) is highly effective to improve eccentric strength but potentially dangerous. Most SME training devices do not allow the athlete to move a barbell freely as they would when performing conventional barbell training. The Intelligent Motion Lifter (IML) allows for safe SME training with a free barbell and no spotters. The IML can be used for free barbell training: a spotter for normal training, eccentric only, concentric only, and squat jumps. It is also a training and testing device for isokinetic and isometric exercise. This commentary addresses the necessity of eccentric training for elite alpine ski racers, the development of the IML and its use in training.
This study investigated the 4-year development of anaerobic power and capacity in Austrian elite ... more This study investigated the 4-year development of anaerobic power and capacity in Austrian elite female alpine ski racers and examined the relationship between the 2-minute loaded repeated jump test (LRJT) results and ski racing performance (Interna-tional Ski Federation (FIS) points). Ten Austrian elite female ski racers were tested prior to four racing seasons. The LRJT consisted of 48 loaded countermovement jumps (LCMJs) with barbell load equivalent to 20% bodyweight. Before the LRJT, maximal body mass normalized average power of a single LCMJ (PMAX) was determined. The mean jump power was calculated across all jumps in the test (P0-120). Anaerobic power (PMAX) in season 2 (32.3 ± 2.3 W. kg-1) significantly improved over season 1 (30.5 ± 2.3 W. kg-1) (p < 0.05) but there were no further differences between seasons, with season 3 at 33.5 ± 3.4 W. kg-1 and season 4 at 33.6 ± 3.0 W. kg-1. Anaerobic capacity (P0-120) increased up to season 3 by 9.2% (27.1 ± 2.8 to 29.6 ± 2.4 W. kg-1), but was significantly higher only when comparing season 4 to seasons 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). FIS points changed significantly (p < 0.05), from 18.1 ± 8.2 in season 1 to 8.4 ± 4.8 in season 4 (lower FIS points indicates better racing results). FIS points had a positive relationship with PMAX (r =-0.73, p < 0.05) and P0-120 (r =-0.64, p < 0.05) only in season 4. Improvements in FIS points from year to year did not correlate with seasonal increases in LRJT results. In conclusion, anaerobic power improved only after season 1, and anaerobic capacity changes were evident only in season 4. Ski racing performance (FIS points) correlated with LRJT test results in only season 4. The LRJT can monitor a ski racer's anaer-obic power and capacity, but does not correlate with ski racing performance.
Balance is very important in daily living, but there are practically no balance evaluation method... more Balance is very important in daily living, but there are practically no balance evaluation methods which fulfill scientific criteria and are available to the fitness community and other groups. The aims of this paper are to determine if the MFT-S3-Check, a system to measure balance, is scientifically objective, valid and reliable; and to establish norms for the MFT S 3-Check system. Reliability was evaluated with 30 subjects in two testing sessions on two different days. Objectivity was determined by having two different test administrators test 10 subjects. Norms were generated from the data of over 5000 subjects (8 - 70 years of age). Validity was checked by comparing norms to data collected from 758 tests performed on ski racers (10 - 18 years of age). The objectivity and reliability tests for the sensor motor and stability indexes produced correlations which were moderate to very high. Norms were created for all age groups (female, male). The ski racers had significantly better ...
Eccentric muscular work plays a large role in alpine ski racing. Training with supramaximal eccen... more Eccentric muscular work plays a large role in alpine ski racing. Training with supramaximal eccentric loads (SME) is highly effective to improve eccentric strength but potentially dangerous. Most SME training devices do not allow the athlete to move a barbell freely as they would when performing conventional barbell training. The Intelligent Motion Lifter (IML) allows for safe SME training with a free barbell and no spotters. The IML can be used for free barbell training: a spotter for normal training, eccentric only, concentric only, and squat jumps. It is also a training and testing device for isokinetic and isometric exercise. This commentary addresses the necessity of eccentric training for elite alpine ski racers, the development of the IML and its use in training.
Neurological diseases or deficits after an accident often lead to balance dysfunction. Sensorimot... more Neurological diseases or deficits after an accident often lead to balance dysfunction. Sensorimotor training on unstable surface is therefore an important aspect of gait therapy. MFT S3 Check offers an assessment method for the functional evaluation of body stability and sensorimotor regulation capability of both leg dexterity. The assessment method is the basis for newly developed training equipment for sensorimotor feedback (Coordi). According to scientific studies, visual feedback leads to an improvement in motivation and information reception and optimises the harmony between sensoric and motoric ability. The assessment method is made up of quasi-static and dynamic gait exercises for the patients. It also comprises of five different levels of difficulty and the possibility of putting together an individual training protocol. This gives the therapist the choice of adapting the training to the performance level and needs of each individual as well as carrying out an individualised...
The long record of consistent success in all age groups of Austrian alpine ski racers is due to a... more The long record of consistent success in all age groups of Austrian alpine ski racers is due to an optimized training environment. One of many factors is physical preparation. The physical preparation program of the Austrian Ski Federation ski racers has for years included tests in which specially designed test devices and computer programs are utilized. The testing series for the Austrian ski team members include the following devices: Biodex balance and coordination tests, Isometric power tester (max. isometric strength tests of knee and hip extension), Back Check (max. isometric core strength tests). MLD (barbell squat jumps and counter movement jumps with varying loads), Kistler force plate (CMJ, special power jump tests & reactive strength). Contrex (concentric/eccentric maximal strength & strength endurance of the hip and knee extensors) & Ski start test (maximal force and impulse of right and left pole-pushes as well as the acceleration). The development of physical preparedn...
In recreational alpine skiing, ACL injury risk is 3 times greater in females. However, since the ... more In recreational alpine skiing, ACL injury risk is 3 times greater in females. However, since the introduction of carving skis ACL injury risk seems to have decreased. No study has yet investigated the distribution of ACL injury mechanisms in male and female carving skiers. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate potential gender specific differences of ACL injury mechanisms and related factors among carving skiers. In total, 220 recreational carving skiers (59 males and 161 females) suffering from an ACL injury volunteered for this study. Demographic data, skiing ability, equipment related and environmental factors, circumstances and causes for the fall, and type of fall (injury mechanisms) were collected by questionnaire. The forward twisting fall is the most reported ACL injury mechanism in both gender (p=0.672) accounting for 54% of all injuries, although male and female skiers differed significantly with regard to circumstances of fall (p=0.001) and actions when ACL i...
This study investigated the 4-year development of anaerobic power and capacity in Austrian elite ... more This study investigated the 4-year development of anaerobic power and capacity in Austrian elite female alpine ski racers and examined the relationship between the 2-minute loaded repeated jump test (LRJT) results and ski racing performance (International Ski Federation (FIS) points). Ten Austrian elite female ski racers were tested prior to four racing seasons. The LRJT consisted of 48 loaded countermovement jumps (LCMJs) with barbell load equivalent to 20% bodyweight. Before the LRJT, maximal body mass normalized average power of a single LCMJ (PMAX) was determined. The mean jump power was calculated across all jumps in the test (P0-120). Anaerobic power (PMAX) in season 2 (32.3 ± 2.3 W·kg-1) significantly improved over season 1 (30.5 ± 2.3 W·kg-1) (p < 0.05) but there were no further differences between seasons, with season 3 at 33.5 ± 3.4 W·kg-1 and season 4 at 33.6 ± 3.0 W·kg-1. Anaerobic capacity (P0-120) increased up to season 3 by 9.2% (27.1 ± 2.8 to 29.6 ± 2.4 W·kg-1), b...
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether anthropometric and fitness characteristics... more Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether anthropometric and fitness characteristics have changed between former and current elite male and female Austrian young ski racers (U11–U15). Methods: A battery of anthropometric, general, and skiing-specific fitness tests was conducted annually. In total, 1517 participants (846 males, 671 females) who were tested in 2005–2009 (“former athletes” n = 805) and 2015–2019 (“current athletes” n = 712) were included. Independent t tests and Cohen d were calculated to compare the two 5-y periods, separated by sex and age group. The level of significance was set at P
Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the trunk strength capacity of alpine ski ra... more Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the trunk strength capacity of alpine ski racers aged 10–18 years, who were tested during the last 15 years, to identify reference values for trunk flexor to extensor strength ratios according to age and sex. Methods In total, 2841 participants (1605 males, 1236 females; 10–18 years) were included, who were pupils of a famous skiing-specific secondary modern school or members of the provincial ski team between 2006 and 2020. The maximum isometric trunk flexion and extension strength was measured using the slightly modified Back Check. Sex-specific differences were assessed with Student’s t test or Mann–Whitney-U test. Univariate analyses of variance or Kruskal–Wallis-H tests were used to assess differences between age groups. Descriptive sex- and age-specific reference values were calculated (norm area: mean ± ½ standard deviation). Results Sex-specific differences were found for both flexion (starting at 11 years) and extension s...
Alpine ski racing demands a multitude of technical skills and excellent physical abilities. Longi... more Alpine ski racing demands a multitude of technical skills and excellent physical abilities. Longitudinal systematic fitness testing and supervision of training in young alpine ski racers is one key factor in the success of the Austrian ski teams. The established norm profiles for sport motor function and fitness tests in all age groups of ski racers can help in detecting
Alpine ski racing demands a multitude of technical skills and excellent physical abilities. Longi... more Alpine ski racing demands a multitude of technical skills and excellent physical abilities. Longitudinal systematic fitness testing and supervision of training in young alpine ski racers is one key factor in the success of the Austrian ski teams. The established norm profiles for sport motor function and fitness tests in all age groups of ski racers can help in detecting
Sports Medicine, Training and Rehabilitation, 1997
This study examined the acute effect of varied interval lengths and work: recovery (W:R) ratios o... more This study examined the acute effect of varied interval lengths and work: recovery (W:R) ratios on the ability to reach and maintain a high level of aerobic power. Eight female rowers (mean XVO2max of 3.46 [0.64] L · min) completed 1 continuous and 7 interval sessions on a Concept II rowing ergometer. Exercise intensity was set at a power output
Featured Application: The Intelligent Motion Lifter is a new mechatronic strength training device... more Featured Application: The Intelligent Motion Lifter is a new mechatronic strength training device that allows safe and effective strength training with supramaximal loads. Abstract: Eccentric muscular work plays a large role in alpine ski racing. Training with supramaximal eccentric loads (SME) is highly effective to improve eccentric strength but potentially dangerous. Most SME training devices do not allow the athlete to move a barbell freely as they would when performing conventional barbell training. The Intelligent Motion Lifter (IML) allows for safe SME training with a free barbell and no spotters. The IML can be used for free barbell training: a spotter for normal training, eccentric only, concentric only, and squat jumps. It is also a training and testing device for isokinetic and isometric exercise. This commentary addresses the necessity of eccentric training for elite alpine ski racers, the development of the IML and its use in training.
This study investigated the 4-year development of anaerobic power and capacity in Austrian elite ... more This study investigated the 4-year development of anaerobic power and capacity in Austrian elite female alpine ski racers and examined the relationship between the 2-minute loaded repeated jump test (LRJT) results and ski racing performance (Interna-tional Ski Federation (FIS) points). Ten Austrian elite female ski racers were tested prior to four racing seasons. The LRJT consisted of 48 loaded countermovement jumps (LCMJs) with barbell load equivalent to 20% bodyweight. Before the LRJT, maximal body mass normalized average power of a single LCMJ (PMAX) was determined. The mean jump power was calculated across all jumps in the test (P0-120). Anaerobic power (PMAX) in season 2 (32.3 ± 2.3 W. kg-1) significantly improved over season 1 (30.5 ± 2.3 W. kg-1) (p < 0.05) but there were no further differences between seasons, with season 3 at 33.5 ± 3.4 W. kg-1 and season 4 at 33.6 ± 3.0 W. kg-1. Anaerobic capacity (P0-120) increased up to season 3 by 9.2% (27.1 ± 2.8 to 29.6 ± 2.4 W. kg-1), but was significantly higher only when comparing season 4 to seasons 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). FIS points changed significantly (p < 0.05), from 18.1 ± 8.2 in season 1 to 8.4 ± 4.8 in season 4 (lower FIS points indicates better racing results). FIS points had a positive relationship with PMAX (r =-0.73, p < 0.05) and P0-120 (r =-0.64, p < 0.05) only in season 4. Improvements in FIS points from year to year did not correlate with seasonal increases in LRJT results. In conclusion, anaerobic power improved only after season 1, and anaerobic capacity changes were evident only in season 4. Ski racing performance (FIS points) correlated with LRJT test results in only season 4. The LRJT can monitor a ski racer's anaer-obic power and capacity, but does not correlate with ski racing performance.
Balance is very important in daily living, but there are practically no balance evaluation method... more Balance is very important in daily living, but there are practically no balance evaluation methods which fulfill scientific criteria and are available to the fitness community and other groups. The aims of this paper are to determine if the MFT-S3-Check, a system to measure balance, is scientifically objective, valid and reliable; and to establish norms for the MFT S 3-Check system. Reliability was evaluated with 30 subjects in two testing sessions on two different days. Objectivity was determined by having two different test administrators test 10 subjects. Norms were generated from the data of over 5000 subjects (8 - 70 years of age). Validity was checked by comparing norms to data collected from 758 tests performed on ski racers (10 - 18 years of age). The objectivity and reliability tests for the sensor motor and stability indexes produced correlations which were moderate to very high. Norms were created for all age groups (female, male). The ski racers had significantly better ...
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