The effects of resistance bands training on some physiological and characteristics in cross-country skiers

Introductionand Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance band exercise training on cross country skiers physical fitness and physiological parameters for 6 weeks. Method: 20 male national level, cross-country skiers participated voluntarily in the study. In addition to normal technical training the groups underwent extra resisdence band exercise for three times a week. Before and after training with Thera-Band were performed the athlete's speed measurements, vertical values, hand claw, leg strength, flexibility, subcutaneous fat thickness measurements and respiratory function measurements. Descriptive statistical and normality tests were performed on the data and the Wilcoxon test was used to determine the significant differences since the distribution was not normal. Alpha level was set as 0,05 for statistical significance. Results: As a result of this study the results showed that, there was significant difference between pre and post-test results forspeed, vertical bounce, hand paw, leg strength, flexibility values, subcutaneous fat thickness measurements(p<0,05).There was no statistically significant difference in respiratory function values after 6 weeks. Conclusion: It is very important to determine the effect of the training methods and tools developed to increase strength and other motoric specialists on the athletes. Thera-Band have been found to contribute to flexibility, speed, and other motor characteristics along with the various strength characteristics on the ski runners. It can be said that trainings with resistance band contribute to flexibility, speed, and other motor characteristics. KeyWords: Cross Country Skiers, Force, Speed, Respiration Functions