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

View all show notes and timestamps on the KoopCast website . Episode overview: Nicola is an athlete and professor of motor sciences at the University of Udine. His research has recently focused in the areas of steep train running and how poles can improve performance. Episode highlights: (44:42) Metabolic results of maximal testing: no energetic differences with or without poles, at maximal effort energetic cost is always going to be maximal and thus the same (54:41) Results of submaximal testing: the hypothesis that poles decrease effort, in reality all physiological parameters were the same, no clear advisory for athletes, perhaps results would be different if athletes were fatigued (1:02:30) Saving your legs: investigating if poles reduce lower limb force, utilizing similar maximal and treadmill tests as the previous study, using poles does reduce force required from the lower limbs, additional durability study Additional resources: Nicola’s Website: https://nicolagiovanelli.com/ Pole Walking is Faster but not Cheaper During Uphill Walking Research Essentials for Ultrarunning- https://www.jasonkoop.com/research-essentials-for-ultrarunning Buy Training Essentials for Ultrarunning on Amazon or Audible . Information on coaching- https://trainright.com/ Koop’s Social Media Twitter/Instagram- @jasonkoop