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Characteristics of inline speedskating--incremental tests and effect of drafting
1Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, University of the Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany. a.krieg@mx.uni-saarland.de
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|April 6, 2006
Summary
Inline speedskating physiology is comparable to cycling, but higher heart rates and oxygen uptake occur at specific workloads. Drafting significantly reduces physiological strain in inline speedskating.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Competitive inline speedskating integrates ice speedskating movements with cycling's pack racing.
- The demanding posture in inline skating can restrict muscle blood flow, potentially impacting lactate kinetics and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the physiological responses of elite inline speedskaters during graded cycling and skating exercises.
- To quantify the physiological benefits of drafting in inline speedskating.
Main Methods:
- Eight top-level male inline speedskaters underwent graded exhaustive tests on both cycle and inline skates.
- Simultaneous measurements included gas exchange, heart rate, and blood lactate concentrations.
- A pairwise drafting test was conducted to assess the effect of drafting.
Main Results:
- Maximal oxygen consumption, lactate concentration, and heart rate were similar between cycling and skating.
- At a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L, oxygen uptake and heart rate were significantly higher during skating than cycling.
- Drafting reduced physiological load by 14-15% at speeds of 30-33 km/h.
Conclusions:
- Inline speedskating does not impair the attainment of peak oxygen consumption compared to cycling.
- Exercise prescriptions based on cycling tests may not be suitable for inline speedskating.
- The drafting effect in inline speedskating is comparable to that observed in cycling.
