Assessing Sport-Related Physical Fitness in Young Alpine Ski Racers: A Proposed Framework for Longitudinal Testing

Alpine ski racing is a complex sport requiring a combination of physical fitness attributes. This study aims to present a framework for evaluating the physical fitness of young alpine skiers and examine changes between pre- and post-season assessments. Seventeen young alpine ski racers participated, and assessments were conducted before and after the competitive race season. The assessments included anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, countermovement jumps, maximal isometric strength evaluation, and maximal oxygen uptake testing. The results showed significant improvements in jump height, jump momentum, maximal heart rate and cycling workload between pre- and post-season assessments. However, no significant changes were observed in body composition variables, isometric strength, or maximal oxygen uptake. This comprehensive evaluation may provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of ski racers, facilitating the design of tailored training programs, identifying areas for improvement, and assisting in the early identification of talented young athletes.