Validation of a maximal incremental skating test performed on a slide board: comparison with treadmill skating

Purpose: the aim of this study was to investigate the criterion validity of a maximal incremental skating test performed on a slide board (SB). Methods: Twelve sub-elite speed skaters performed a maximal skating test on a treadmill and on a SB. Gas exchange threshold (GET), respiratory compensation point (RCP) and maximal variables were determined. Results: oxygen uptake (V̇O2) (31.0 ± 3.2 and 31.4 ± 4.1 mL∙min-1∙kg-1), percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) (66.3 ± 4 and 67.7 ± 7.1%), HR (153 ± 14 and 150 ± 12 bpm), and ventilation (59.8 ± 11.8 and 57.0 ± 10.7 L∙min-1) at GET, and V̇O2 (42.5 ± 4.4 and 42.9 ± 4.8 mL∙min-1∙kg-1), percentage of V̇O2max (91.1 ± 3.3 and 92.4 ± 2.1%), heart rate (HR) (178 ± 9 and 178 ± 6 bpm), and ventilation (96.5 ± 19.2 and 92.1 ± 12.7 L∙min-1) at RCP were not different between skating on a treadmill and on a SB. V̇O2max (46.7 ± 4.4 vs 46.4 ± 6.1 mL∙min-1∙kg-1) and maximal HR (195 ± 6 vs 196 ± 10 bpm) were not significantly different and correlated (r = 0.80 and r = 0.87, respectively; p < 0.05) between the treadmill and SB. V̇O2 at GET, RCP and V̇O2max obtained on a SB were correlated (r > 0.8) with athletes’ best time on 1500 m. Conclusions: the incremental skating test on a SB was capable to distinguish maximal (V̇O2 and HR) and submaximal (V̇O2, % V̇O2max, HR and ventilation) parameters known to determine endurance performance. Therefore, the SB test can be considered as a specific and practical alternative to evaluate speed skaters.