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Physiological responses to in-line skating compared to treadmill running
M E Wallick1, J P Porcari, S B Wallick
1La Crosse Exercise and Health Program, University of Wisconsin 54601, USA.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|February 1, 1995
Summary
In-line skating offers a comparable aerobic exercise alternative to treadmill running, with similar metabolic loads and caloric expenditure, making it effective for improving cardiovascular fitness.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Treadmill running is a widely accepted method for assessing aerobic capacity.
- In-line skating is a popular recreational and fitness activity.
- Understanding the physiological demands of in-line skating is crucial for its application in training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the physiological responses of in-line skating with treadmill running.
- To determine the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) for both activities.
- To assess the submaximal metabolic load and caloric expenditure during in-line skating.
Main Methods:
- 16 active males (18-37 years) underwent VO2max testing on both in-line skates and a treadmill.
- Speed-incremented, discontinuous protocols were used for both exercise modalities.
- Regression analyses examined the heart rate to oxygen consumption (HR/VO2) relationship.
Main Results:
- Absolute and relative VO2max, along with HRmax, were slightly lower during in-line skating compared to treadmill running.
- The HR/VO2 relationship showed no significant differences, indicating similar metabolic loads at equivalent heart rates.
- In-line skating at 17.7-20.9 km/h represented 60-75% of VO2max, aligning with ACSM training guidelines.
- Caloric expenditure ranged from 9.5-19.0 kcal/min during the investigated speeds.
Conclusions:
- In-line skating elicits physiological responses comparable to treadmill running.
- In-line skating is a viable exercise alternative for enhancing aerobic capacity.
- This activity can also be utilized for effective body weight management.