We examined physical fitness adaptation after six weeks of snow shovelling using different types of shovels. Thirty-three subjects participated in this study and were divided two groups: normal shovel group and less-workload shovel (UD-shovel) group. Grip strength, vertical jump, 10 m obstacle walking, chair rising test, lactate threshold and body mass were measured before and after six weeks of snow shovelling. All measurements showed no significant differences between the groups. The chair rising test and ten meter obstacle walking were significantly at main effects. These values were higher in the after period than in the before period. But there were no significant differences at main effects in grip strength, vertical jump, lactate threshold and body mass. These results suggest that six weeks of snow shovelling may not affect upper body strength and aerobic capacity, but may affect lower body and muscle of trunk strength, power, agility, balance and coordination. These effects were not different if using normal shovels or UD-shovels.
