KoopCast

Do Poles Improve Performance in Trail Running with Nicola Giovanelli PhD | KoopCast Episode 173

Mar 30, 2023
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ANECDOTE

Nicola's Research Origin Story

  • Nicola Giovanelli started his research on poles in trail running due to observing the fastest athletes using poles uphill.
  • He noticed existing studies on Nordic walking didn't apply well to trail running due to different techniques and terrain.
INSIGHT

Poles Improve Speed, Not Oxygen Use

  • In maximal uphill trials, athletes were faster with poles but used similar oxygen consumption and energy.
  • Going as hard as possible, VO2 max limits energy, so poles don't change metabolic cost but improve speed.
INSIGHT

No Energy Saving at Submaximal Intensity

  • At submaximal, longer duration intensities, poles did not lower physiological effort markers like VO2 or heart rate.
  • Results suggest poles don't reduce energy cost in non-fatigued conditions during moderate intensity uphill walking.
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