Laboratory running test vs. field roller skiing test in cross-country skiers: a longitudinal study

Laboratory treadmill running tests are commonly used to assess the effect of training programs and to prescribe training intensity for cross-country skiers. The present study compared the physiological parameters during a treadmill running (R) test and a field roller skiing (RS) test both at the beginning (Beg) and at the end (End) of a 6-month specific training program in seven competitive cross-country skiers. Oxygen uptake (VO2) and blood lactate concentration ([La]) were assessed for exercise intensity corresponding to 70%, 80%, 90% of maximal heart rate (HRmax) and to HRmax.VO2 was lower for the RS test compared to the R test at any HR levels at Beg only (p<0.05). Maximal VO2 increased from Beg to End for the RS test only (+23.7+/-10.4; p<0.05). [La] was lower for the R test compared to the RS test during both testing periods at 90% HRmax (p<0.05), and no significant modification in [La] from Beg to End at any HR levels was observed (p>0.05). The [La]/V.O2 curve shifted toward the right from Beg to End to a greater extent for the RS test compared to the R test. The present study emphasised the importance of exercise specificity in order to assess the effect of specific training program in competitive cross-country skiers.