Incremental Testing Design on Slide Board for Speed Skaters: Comparison Between Two Different Protocols

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stage duration (Long-stage–LS: 3-min, Short-stage–SS: 1-min) on maximal and submaximal aerobic physiological variables during a simulated skating test performed on a slide board. Ten well-trained male speed skaters performed two maximal incremental tests on slide board until voluntary exhaustion. The second ventilatory threshold (VT2) was determined by the ventilatory equivalent method. All participants reached the criteria for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) attainment in both protocols. Maximal cadence (CADmax), VO2 at VT2 and cadence at VT2 (CADVT2) were significantly higher during SS protocol, but maximal heart rate was significantly lower for the SS protocol. VO2max was significantly correlated with CADmax for the SS (r= 0.62) and LS protocol (r= 0.61). Strong correlation were found between CADmax and CADVT2 during the SS (r=0.83) and LS protocol (r=0.76). The results of the present study suggest that either SS or LS slide board incremental protocols can be used to evaluate skaters, since they elicited maximal physiological responses. Additionally, slide board incremental skating tests may be considered as a more specific and practical alternative than laboratory-based tests, especially when a large number of athletes need to be assessed