title: Effects of Cycling vs. Running Training on Endurance Performance in Preparation for Inline Speed Skating.
abstract: Winter weather conditions restrict regular sport-specific endurance training in inline speed skating. As a result, this study was designed to compare the effects of cycling and running training programs on inline speed skaters' endurance performance. Sixteen (8 men, 8 women) high-level athletes (mean ± SD 24 ± 8 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups (running and cycling). Both groups trained twice a week for 8 weeks, one group on a treadmill and the other on a cycle ergometer. Training intensity and duration was individually calculated (maximal fat oxidation: ∼52% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak: 500 kcal per session). Before and after the training intervention, all athletes performed an incremental specific (inline speed skating) and 1 nonspecific (cycling or running) step test according to the group affiliation. In addition to blood lactate concentration, oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), ventilatory equivalent (VE/V[Combining Dot Above]O2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate were measured. The specific posttest revealed significantly increased absolute V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak values (2.9 ± 0.4, 3.4 ± 0.7, p = 0.01) and submaximal V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values (p ≤ 0.01). VE/V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and RER significantly decreased at maximal (46.6 ± 6.6, 38.5 ± 3.4, p = 0.005; 1.1 ± 0.03, 1.0 ± 0.04, p = 0.001) and submaximal intensities (p ≤ 0.04). None of the analysis revealed a significant group effect (p ≥ 0.15). The results indicate that both cycling vs. running exercise at ∼52% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak had a positive effect on the athletes' endurance performance. The increased submaximal V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values indicate a reduction in athletes' inline speed skating technique. Therefore, athletes would benefit from a focus on technique training in the subsequent period.
authors.affiliation: 1Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany; 2Olympic Center Rheinland Cologne, Cologne, Germany; and 3Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Carolin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stangier
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Abel
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hesse
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Claen
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mierau
authors.forename: Wildor
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hollmann
authors.forename: Heiko K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Strüder
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D012861:Skating / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult