PHYSIOLOGICAL-RESPONSES TO IN-LINE SKATING COMPARED TO TREADMILL RUNNING

The physiologic responses to in-line skating were compared to those du ring treadmill running in 16 active males (18-37 yr). Each subject per formed a VO2max test during in-line skating and treadmill running usin g speed-incremented, discontinuous protocols. Protocols were designed so that each subject completed 4-6 stages. Stages were 3 min in durati on and separated by a 5-min rest period. It was found that absolute VO 2max (4.19 vs 4.44 1.min(-1), P = 0.045), relative VO2max (56.8 vs 59. 9 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), P = 0.054), and HR(max) (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 exercis e. Skating between 17.7-20.9 km.h 1 corresponded to 60-75% of VO2max o r 75-90% of HR(max), 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 indicat e that in-line skating elicits physiological responses comparable to t readmill running and thus would be another exercise alternative for im proving aerobic capacity or maintaining body weight.