Magne Lund-Hansen

• Losnegard, Thomas Johansen; Stubbe, Erland Vedeler; Emmanouil, Sakalidis, Kandianos; Lund-Hansen, Magne; Kocbach, Jan Martin & Florentina, Hettinga, (2026). Self-regulated pacing in biathlon: how shooting impacts skiing strategy compared to cross-country skiing | Sport Sciences for Health | Springer Nature Link. Sport Sciences for Health. ISSN 1824-7490. 22. doi: 10.1007/s11332-025-01590-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose Biathlon, a unique combination of cross-country skiing and precision rifle shooting, offers an intriguing subject for the study of pacing behavior. We examined the impact of shooting on pacing behavior in highly trained biathletes. Methods Twenty senior biathletes completed one biathlon and one cross-country skiing trial on separate days in a randomized order. Both trials covered a distance of 7.5 km (3 × 2.5 km for women) or 10 km (3 × 3.3 km for men) on rollerskies. During biathlon, shooting after lap 1 (prone) and lap 2 (standing) was conducted. Time, speed profiles, heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and pre and post pacing questionnaires (4- and 6-point scales) were compared between conditions. Results During cross-country skiing, athletes were faster overall (mean ± 95%CI; −6.5 ± 1.2% and -1.5 ± 1.0%, including and excluding shooting, respectively), which was attributed to a reduction in speed in the last ~ 60 s prior to shooting. No significant differences were found in HR or RPE, except after shooting. The athletes recognized the importance of shooting in their race strategy (Mdn = 5, IQR = 1.1) and reported an intentional reduction in exercise intensity before prone and standing shooting. Conclusions The act of shooting influences the pacing behavior in biathlon as evidenced by decrease in speed ⁓60 s prior to shooting, while maintaining similar pacing elsewhere. Moreover, the pacing behavior align better with pre-trial goals compared to cross-country skiing. No significant differences were observed in HR or RPE during the race, suggesting that the overall effort did not differ between disciplines.

• Losnegard, Thomas Johansen; Solberg, Paul Andre; Lund-Hansen, Magne; Skaugen, Martin; Hansen, Joar & Skovereng, Knut [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Test–retest reliability of performance variables during treadmill rollerski skating. European Journal of Applied Physiology. ISSN 1439-6319. 125, p. 2015–2021. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05746-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: We examined the test–retest reliability of rollerski testing across a familiarization trial followed by three separate test trials (T1–T3) conducted within a 14-day period. Methods: Ten competitive cross-country skiers performed three sub-maximal tests (5%, speed range 10–16 km h−1) and a maximal speed test until failure (MTF; ~ 5–8 min, 7%, > 10 km h−1) on a rollerski treadmill using the Gear 3 ski skating sub-technique. Reliability was assessed as within-subject typical error, expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV%, [confidence limits]) intraclass correlation (ICC, [confidence limits]), and changes in mean (%). Results: The speed at MTF demonstrated a mean CV (T1–T3) of 1.5% [1.1, 2.6] and an ICC of 0.96 [0.87, 0.99], but a systematic familiarization bias from T1 to T2 (1.2% [0.1, 2.3]) and T2 to T3 (2.2% [0.1, 4.3]). Peak oxygen uptake exhibited a mean CV of 2.2% [1.6, 3.8] and an ICC of 0.93 [0.78, 0.98], with no systematic changes from T1 to T2 (− 0.2% [− 2.0, 1.6]) and T2 to T3 (1.8% [− 1.1, 4.7]). VO2 at submaximal load showed a mean CV of 2.1% [1.5, 3.3] and an ICC of 0.94 [0.84,0.99], with no systematic changes from T1 to T2 (− 0.7% [− 2.4, 1.1]) and T2 to T3 (− 0.1% [− 2.4, 2.3]). Conclusion: The relatively low CV and high ICC for most measures suggest a high degree of test–retest reliability. However, the systematic mean changes in MTF indicate that familiarization trials are essential to provide valuable information about individual changes. Overall, these reliability measures can be used as a framework by practitioners to discern true changes when testing on a rollerski treadmill.

• Gløersen, Øyvind; Viken, Ånung; Lund-Hansen, Magne & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2024). The influence of race duration on oxygen demand, uptake and deficit in competitive cross-country skiers. European Journal of Applied Physiology. ISSN 1439-6319. 124(11), p. 3337–3349. doi: 10.1007/s00421-024-05531-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: To measure oxygen demand, uptake, and deficits in competitive cross-country skiers during outdoor roller skiing at different competition durations, ranging from the endurance domain to the sprint domain. Methods: Ten competitive cross-country skiers (6 males; V̇ O2max 78 ± 3 and 4 females; V̇ O2max 62 ± 3 mL∙kg−1∙min−1) raced time trials consisting of 1, 2, and 4 laps in a 1.6 km racecourse in a randomized order with 35 min recovery in-between. Oxygen uptake was measured using a wearable metabolic system while oxygen demand was estimated from kinematic data (GPS and IMU) and an athlete-specific model of skiing economy. Skiing economy and V̇ O2max was established on a separate test day using six submaximal constant-load trials at different speeds and inclines, and one maximal-effort trial on a roller-skiing treadmill. Results: Average oxygen demand was 112 ± 8%, 103 ± 7% and 98 ± 7% of V̇ O2max during the 1 (3:37 ± 0:20 m:ss), 2 (7:36 ± 0:38 m:ss) and 4 (15:43 ± 1:26 m:ss) lap time trials, respectively, and appeared to follow an inverse relationship with time-trial duration. Average oxygen uptake was unaffected by race length (86 ± 5%, 86 ± 5%, and 86 ± 7% of V̇ O2max respectively). Accumulated oxygen deficit at the end of each time trial was 85 ± 13, 106 ± 32 and 158 ± 62 mL∙kg−1, while oxygen deficits per work bout was 23 ± 3, 18 ± 3 and 16 ± 3 mL∙kg−1 for the 1, 2, and 4-lap time trials, respectively. Conclusion: Elite cross-country skiers adjust their pacing strategies from attaining relatively small oxygen deficits per work bout in the endurance domain, to larger deficits in the sprint domain. This indicates a shift in strategy from prioritizing stable work-economy and rate-of-recovery in the endurance domain, to maximizing power output in the sprint domain.

• Werkhausen, Amelie; Lund-Hansen, Magne; Wiedenbruch, Lucas; Peikenkamp, Klaus & Rice, Hannah (2024). Technologically advanced running shoes reduce oxygen cost and cumulative tibial loading per kilometer in recreational female and male runners. Scientific Reports. 14. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-62263-0. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Technologically advanced running shoes (TARS) improve performance compared to classical running shoes (CRS). Improved race performance has been attributed to metabolic savings in male runners, but it remains unclear if these same benefits are experienced among females and in recreational runners. The mechanisms behind these benefits are still not fully understood despite the need for optimisation, and their influence on injury mechanisms has not been explored. Here we combined biomechanical, physiological, and modelling approaches to analyse joint mechanics, oxygen uptake, and tibial load in nineteen male and female recreational runners running with CRS and TARS at their individual lactate threshold speed (12.4 ± 1.9 km/h). Oxygen uptake was 3.0 ± 1.5% lower in TARS than in CRS. Ankle dorsiflexion, joint moment and joint power were reduced in TARS compared to CRS at various phases of stance including midstance, while knee joint mechanics were mostly similar throughout. There were no significant differences for tibial bending moment during the stance phase but cumulative tibial damage per kilometre was 12 ± 9% lower in TARS compared to CRS. Our results suggest that running with TARS reduces oxygen cost in recreational female and male runners, which may partly be explained by differences in lower limb joint mechanics. The lower cumulative tibial bone load with TARS may allow runners to run longer distances in this type of shoe compared to CRS.

• Lund-Hansen, Magne; Gløersen, Øyvind; Rud, Bjarne & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2023). What is the optimal classical style sub-technique during uphill roller skiing in elite male cross-country skiers? European Journal of Applied Physiology. ISSN 1439-6319. 123(12), p. 2833–2842. doi: 10.1007/s00421-023-05261-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: To compare performance, physiological and biomechanical responses between double poling (DP) and diagonal stride (DIA) during treadmill roller skiing in elite male cross-country skiers. Method: Twelve skiers (VO2peak DIAup; 74.7 ± 3.7 ml kg−1 min−1) performed two DP conditions at 1° (DPflat) and 8° (DPup) incline, and one DIA condition, 8° (DIAup). Submaximal gross efficiency (GE) and maximal 3.5 min time-trial (TT) performance, including measurements of VO2peak and maximal accumulated O2-deficit (MAOD), were determined. Temporal patterns and kinematics were assessed using 2D video, while pole kinetics were obtained from pole force. Results: DIAup induced (mean, [95% confidence interval]) 13% [4, 22] better 3.5-min TT performance, 7%, [5, 10]) higher VO2peak and 3% points [1, 5] higher GE compared to DPup (all P < 0.05). DPup induced 120% higher MAOD compared to DPflat, while no significant differences were observed for VO2peak or GE between DPflat and DPup. There was a large correlation between performance and GE in DP and a large correlation between performance and VO2peak for DIAup (all r = 0.7–0.8, P < 0.05). No correlations were found between performance and VO2peak for any of the DP conditions, nor between performance and GE for DIAup (r = 0.0–0.2, P > 0.1). Conclusion: At 8º uphill roller skiing, DIAup induce higher VO2peak, GE, and superior time-trial performance than DPup in elite male skiers. There was no difference between VO2peak or GE between DPflat and DPup. A large correlation was observed between DIAup performance and DIAup VO2peak, while DP performance was best correlated to submaximal GE.

• Holsbrekken, Eivind; Gløersen, Øyvind; Lund-Hansen, Magne & Losnegard, Thomas Johansen (2023). Competitive Cross-Country Skiers Have Longer Time to Exhaustion Than Recreational Cross-Country Skiers During Intermittent Work Intervals Normalized to Their Maximal Aerobic Power. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (IJSPP). ISSN 1555-0265. 18(11), p. 1246–1253. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0487. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: To investigate differences in time to exhaustion (TTE), O2 uptake (˙VO2), and accumulated O2 deficit (Odef2) between competitive and recreational cross-country (XC) skiers during an intermittent-interval protocol standardized for maximal aerobic power (MAP). Methods: Twelve competitive (maximal ˙VO2 [˙VO2max]=76.5±3.8mL⋅kg−1⋅min−1) and 10 recreational (˙VO2max=63.5±6.3mL⋅kg−1⋅min−1) male XC skiers participated. All tests were performed on a rollerski treadmill in the V2 ski-skating technique. To quantify MAP and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD), the skiers performed a steady-state submaximal test followed by a 1000-m time trial. After a 60-minute break, TTE, ˙VO2, and accumulated Odef2 were measured during an intermittent-interval protocol (40-s work and 20-s recovery), which was individually tailored to 120% and 60% of each subject’s MAP. Results: During the 1000-m time trial, the competitive skiers had 21% (95% CI, 12%–30%) shorter finish time and 24% (95% CI, 14%–34%) higher MAP (all P < .01) than the recreational skiers. No difference was observed in relative exercise intensity (average power/MAP; P = .28), MAOD (P = .18), or fractional utilization of ˙VO2max. During the intermittent-interval protocol, the competitive skiers had 34% (95% CI, 3%–65%) longer TTE (P = .03) and accumulated 61% (95% CI, 27%–95%) more Odef2 (P = .001) than the recreational skiers during work phases. Conclusions: Competitive XC skiers have longer TTE and accumulate more Odef2 than recreational XC skiers during an intermittent-interval protocol at similar intensity relative to MAP. This implies that performance in intermittent endurance sports is related to the ability to repeatedly recharge fractions of MAOD.

• Losnegard, Thomas Johansen; Lund-Hansen, Magne; Stubbe, Erland Vedeler; Granrud, Even Dahlen; Luchsinger, Harri Simon & Sandbakk, Øyvind Bucher [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Highly Trained Biathletes With a Fast-Start Pacing Pattern Improve Time-Trial Skiing Performance by Pacing More Evenly. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (IJSPP). ISSN 1555-0265. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0211. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: In sprint biathlon, a J-shaped pacing pattern is commonly used. We investigated whether biathletes with a fast-start pacing pattern increase time-trial skiing and shooting performance by pacing more evenly. Methods: Thirty-eight highly trained biathletes (∼21 y, 27 men) performed an individual 7.5 (3 × 2.5 km for women) or 10-km (3 × 3.3 km for men) time trial on roller skis with a self-selected pacing strategy (day 1). Prone (after lap 1) and standing shooting (after lap 2) stages were performed using paper targets. Based on their pacing strategy in the first time trial (ratio between the initial ∼800-m segment pace on lap 1 and average ∼800-m segment pace on laps 1–3), participants were divided into an intervention group with the fastest starting pace (INT, n = 20) or a control group with a more conservative starting pace (CON, n = 18). On day 2, INT was instructed to reduce their starting pace, while CON was instructed to maintain their day 1 strategy. Results: INT increased their overall time-trial performance more than CON from day 1 to day 2 (mean ± 95% CI; 1.5% ± 0.7% vs 0.0% ± 0.9%, P = .02). From day 1 to day 2, INT reduced their starting pace (5.0% ± 1.5%, P < .01), with reduced ratings of perceived exertion during lap 1 (P < .05). For CON, no change was found for starting pace (−0.8% ± 1.2%) or ratings of perceived exertion between days. No differences were found for shooting performance for either group. Conclusion: Highly trained biathletes with a pronounced fast-start pattern improve skiing performance without any change in shooting performance by pacing more evenly.

• Meyer, Frederic; Lund-Hansen, Magne; Kocbach, Jan Martin; Seeberg, Trine Margrethe; Sandbakk, Øyvind Bucher & Austeng, Andreas (2023). Inertial Sensor-Based Estimation of Temporal Events in Skating Sub-Techniques While In-Field Roller Skiing. Journal of Applied Biomechanics. ISSN 1065-8483. 39(3), p. 204–208. doi: 10.1123/jab.2022-0073. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of this study was to test and adapt a treadmill-developed method for determination of inner-cycle parameters and sub-technique in cross-country roller ski skating for a field application. The method is based on detecting initial and final ground contact of poles and skis during cyclic movements. Eleven athletes skied 4 laps of 2.5 km at low- and high-endurance intensities, using 2 types of skis with different rolling coefficients. Participants were equipped with inertial measurement units attached to their wrists and skis, and insoles with pressure sensors and poles with force measurements were used as reference systems. The method based on inertial measurement units was able to detect >97% of the temporal events detected with the reference system. The inner-cycle temporal parameters had a precision ranging from 49 to 59 milliseconds, corresponding to 3.9% to 13.7% of the corresponding inner-cycle duration. Overall, this study showed good reliability of using inertial measurement units on athletes’ wrists and skis to determine temporal events, inner-cycle parameters, and the performed sub-techniques in cross-country roller ski skating in field conditions.

• Meyer, Frederic; Lund-Hansen, Magne; Seeberg, Trine Margrethe; Kocbach, Jan; Sandbakk, Øyvind & Austeng, Andreas (2022). Inner-Cycle Phases Can Be Estimated from a Single Inertial Sensor by Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network in Roller-Ski Skating. Sensors. 22(23). doi: 10.3390/s22239267. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: The aim of this study was to provide a new machine learning method to determine temporal events and inner-cycle parameters (e.g., cycle, pole and ski contact and swing time) in cross-country roller-ski skating on the field, using a single inertial measurement unit (IMU). Methods: The developed method is based on long short-term memory neural networks to detect the initial and final contact of the poles and skis with the ground during the cyclic movements. Eleven athletes skied four laps of 2.5 km at a low and high intensity using skis with two different rolling coefficients. They were equipped with IMUs attached to the upper back, lower back and to the sternum. Data from force insoles and force poles were used as the reference system. Results: The IMU placed on the upper back provided the best results, as the LSTM network was able to determine the temporal events with a mean error ranging from −1 to 11 ms and had a standard deviation (SD) of the error between 64 and 70 ms. The corresponding inner-cycle parameters were calculated with a mean error ranging from −11 to 12 ms and an SD between 66 and 74 ms. The method detected 95% of the events for the poles and 87% of the events for the skis. Conclusion: The proposed LSTM method provides a promising tool for assessing temporal events and inner-cycle phases in roller-ski skating, showing the potential of using a single IMU to estimate different spatiotemporal parameters of human locomotion.

View all works in NVA

• Losnegard, Thomas Johansen; Solberg, Paul Andre; Lund-Hansen, Magne; Skaugen, Martin; Hansen, Joar & Skovereng, Knut [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Correction to: Test–retest reliability of performance variables during treadmill rollerski skating (European Journal of Applied Physiology, (2025), 10.1007/s00421-025-05746-w). European Journal of Applied Physiology. ISSN 1439-6319. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05809-y. Full text in Research Archive

View all works in NVA