PHYSIOLOGICAL-RESPONSES OF SPEED SKATERS TO TREADMILL LOW WALKING ANDCYCLE ERGOMETRY

Speed skaters have previously relied on cycle ergometry for physiologi cal testing. Current evidence suggests skate-specific testing might be more appropriate. Unlike cycling, skating and off-ice low walk traini ng involves a 'crouched' posture, placing the quadriceps in static con traction. This may compromise blood flow to working muscles and influe nce VO2. We compared physiological variables between skate-specific tr eadmill low walking (LW) and cycle ergometry (BK). Skaters (N = 8) per formed LW and BK to fatigue in randomized order. No difference existed for peak HR. Peak VO2 was lower for LW (4.13 +/- 0.34 vs 4.43 +/- 0.3 5, p < 0.05). Peak VE was lower during LW (146 +/- 13 vs 180 +/- 31, p < 0.05). R was significantly lower for LW, although no difference in peak lactate (LA) was evident. At submaximal heart rates, VO2 was lowe r during LW(p < 0.05), and submaximal LA was higher when expressed as percent peak VO2 (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with the hyp othesis that skating posture limits O-2 delivery to the lower extremit ies, and thus accounts for a greater dependence upon anaerobic energy production.