Physiological responses to in-line skating compared to treadmill running

The physiologic responses to in-line skating were compared to those during treadmill running in 16 active males (18-37 yr). Each subject performed a VO2max test during in-line skating and treadmill running using speed-incremented, discontinuous protocols. Protocols were designed so that each subject completed 4-6 stages. Stages were 3 min in duration and separated by a 5-min rest period. It was found that absolute VO2max (4.19 vs 4.44 l.min-1, P = 0.045), relative VO2max (56.8 vs 59.9 ml.kg-1.min-1, P = 0.054), and HRmax (189 vs 194 b.min-1, P < 0.05) were lower for in-line skating compared to treadmill running. Regression analyses were used to determine the submaximal relationship between modalities. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the slope and y-intercept of the HR/VO2 relationship, indicating a similar metabolic load at a given heart rate for both modes of exercise. Skating between 17.7-20.9 km.h-1 corresponded to 60-75% of VO2max or 75-90% of HRmax, which are common training intensities and within the guidelines recommended by the ACSM. Across the speeds investigated, caloric expenditure was 9.5-19.0 kcal.min-1. These results indicate that in-line skating elicits physiological responses comparable to treadmill running and thus would be another exercise alternative for improving aerobic capacity or maintaining body weight.