Physiological Responses of Speed Skaters to Treadmill Low Walking and Cycle Ergometry

Abstract

Speed skaters have previously relied on cycle ergometry for physiological testing. Current evidence suggests skate-specific testing might be more appropriate. Unlike cycling, skating and off-ice low walk training involves a 'crouched' posture, placing the quadriceps in static contraction. This may compromise blood flow to working muscles and influence VO2. We compared physiological variables between skate-specific treadmill low walking (LW) and cycle ergometry (BK). Skaters (N = 8) performed LW and BK to fatigue in randomized order. No difference existed for peak HR. Peak VO2 was lower for LW (4.13 +/- 0.34 vs 4.43 +/- 0.35, p < 0.05). Peak VE was lower during LW (146 +/- 13 vs 180 +/- 31, p < 0.05). R was significantly lower for LW, although no difference in peak lactate (LA) was evident. At submaximal heart rates, VO2 was lower during LW (p < 0.05), and submaximal LA was higher when expressed as percent peak VO2 (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that skating posture limits O2 delivery to the lower extremities, and thus accounts for a greater dependence upon anaerobic energy production.

Validation of a Maximal Incremental Skating Test Performed on a Slide Board: Comparison With Treadmill Skating

“…De Boer et al 28 found greater RER and V ̇E maximal values during inline compared to on ice maximal skating tests, with no significant differences in V ̇O2max, and a more upright posture during inline skating. Differences in RER could be related to decreased V ̇E, as suggested by Rundell and Pripstein 12 , or could be linked to a decreased [La]peak possibly caused by a more pronounced blood flow occlusion and the associated decrease in lactate efflux 29 .…”

“…Despite the similarities found between treadmill and slide board skating, V ̇Emax, RERmax and [La]peak were significantly smaller during the slide board test and ES were moderate to large, pointing out for meaningful differences (Table 1). These findings were unexpected and might be related to slight differences in body posture adopted on the slide board, since at smaller knee and/or hip angles the ventilatory response can be altered because of mechanical limitations during skating 12,28 . De Boer et al 28 found greater RER and V ̇E maximal values during inline compared to on ice maximal skating tests, with no significant differences in V ̇O2max, and a more upright posture during inline skating.…”

“…As an alternative, some researchers investigated physiological responses obtained during low walking on an oversized motor-driven treadmill, which simulated the posture used in speed skating 12 . Another study investigated physiological responses during a maximal skating test on a slide board 13 .…”

Physiological responses that account for the increased power output in speed skating using klapskates

“…Skaters typically reach a lower _ V O 2 during maximal speed skating compared to a maximal eort in cycling or running (Ingen Schenau et al 1983;Kandou et al 1987;Rundell and Pripstein 1995). It was suggested that this dierence could be attributed to the absence of a powerful plantar¯exion, and hence a reduction of eective muscle mass, with conventional skates (Ingen Schenau et al 1996).…”