Heart rate, individual perception of exertion and metabolic parameters during intensive intervals in inline-skating

Aim: Inline-Skatingness had a very fast development as a health oriented sport during the last 10 years. It is not clear how short lasting intensive intervals during inline endurance training affect metabolic and cardio-respiratory parameters. Method: 10 experienced inline-skaters (4 female and 6 male, 26.5 plus or minus 2.6 years, 177.1 plus or minus 8.0 cm, 70.5 plus or minus 11.7 kg) first took part in an incremental filed test (IFT) on inline-skates for the determination of the velocity corresponding to 4 mmol/l lactate acid concentration (la, v4: beginning at 10 km/h, each increase 3 km/h every 5 min, rest 1 min between each speed). After IFT, 2 endurance tests (ET, 120 min) were done in randomised order during the next 2 weeks: During the continuous test (CT), subjects had to skate at 75% of v4. During the interval test (IT), subjects skated 60 min at 75% of v4, then had an intensive phase with 5 times intensive intervals at 120% v4 for 45 sec, alternating with 90 sec at 75% of v4. After this intensive interval, subjects finished the training session (altogether 120 min) at 75% v4. La, heart rates (HR), respiratory quotient (RQ) and received perception of exhaustion (RPE) were registered every 20 min and directly after the intensive interval. Results: Data during CT and IT are given in the Table. As expected, IT induced a clear and significant (p < 0.01) increase of all parameters. La and HR remained elevated after IT until the end of the training session (p < 0.01), while RQ and RPE reached the pre-IT levels very fast. Summary: Altogether, IFT and ET on inline-skates induced similar physiological and metabolic reactions compared to other endurance sports. Some sport-specific aspects, however, have to be taken into consideration during controlled inline-training. Short-lasting intensive training intervals with sufficient, low intensive regeneration periods afterwards can be integrated into endurance training without negative effects on metabolism.