BACKGROUND: This study investigated the differences in strength, technique and time performance in in-line skaters of three age categories during a 300 m trial. Possible correlations among these variables were also assessed.METHODS: Thirty-six elite in-line skaters (Cadets, Juniors and Seniors, n=12 each; 14±1, 16±1, and 24±6 years of age, respectively) performed a 300-m trial on an outdoor oval track.Total time (Ttot), 100-m fractions and duration of each skating technique (initial acceleration phase, straight push and cross-over) were recorded. A squat jump (SJ) was performed before and after the trial. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration ([La -]) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected before, during and at the end of the trial.
RESULTS: Ttot was longer and SJ lower inCadets compared to the other groups. Seniors employed the cross-over technique for a longer period than the straight push technique, compared to Juniors and Cadets. Ttot correlated negatively with SJ in Seniors. The number of significant correlations between skating techniques' duration and both Ttot and SJ increased with age category. No differences among groups were found for heart rate, [La -] and RPE. CONCLUSION: With increasing age category, leg strength appeared to be the more related aspect to skating performance. To improve 300-m in-line skating performance, trainers should pay particular attention to the enhancement of leg strength and cross-over skating technique. Short title: Performance characteristics of in-line skating experiments; collection, analysis and interpretation of data; drafting the article and revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published. Raffaele SCURATI: Analysis and interpretation of data; drafting the article and revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published. Matteo CROTTI: Collection, analysis and interpretation of data; revising the article critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published. Andrea BOSIO: Analysis and interpretation of data; revising the article critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published. Stefano LONGO: Analysis and interpretation of data; drafting the article and revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published. Fabio ESPOSITO: Conception and design of the experiments; analysis and interpretation of data; drafting the article and revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published. Conflict of interests. -The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Congresses. -Data from this work have been presented at the VIII SISMES (Società Italiana delle Scienze Motorie e Sportive) Congress held in Rome, Italy, 7 th -9 th October 2016.