A novel incremental slide board test for speed skaters: Reliability analysis and comparison with a cycling test

Abstract Introduction Exercise prescription from indices obtained from cycling or running treadmill incremental tests does not seem suitable for speed skaters. However, the specificity of laboratory skating assessments remains to be established. Purpose This study intended to assess the test–retest reliability of an incremental test performed on a slide board (SB), and its validity compared with a cycling protocol in order to determine aerobic performance indices in speed skaters. Methods Ten competitive inline speed skaters performed two incremental tests on an SB and one cycling incremental test. The intensity of SB test was determined by cadence, starting at 30 push-offs/min and increasing by three push-offs/min each minute, until volitional exhaustion. Maximal and submaximal values related to the anaerobic threshold (AT) of oxygen uptake (VO 2 ), pulmonary ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange (RER), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived effort (RPE), cadence (CAD), and blood lactate concentration ([Lac]max) were measured. Results No significant differences were found in any of the variables between test–retest on SB. High relative (ICC > 0.9) and absolute reliability (typical error of measure as CV TEM 2 max, HRmax, [Lac]max, CADmax, VO 2AT , CAD AT , and RPE AT . In comparison to SB test, the [Lac]max was significantly higher during cycling, and the RPE AT was lower. VO 2 max, HRmax, CADmax, VO 2AT and CAD AT were largely correlated between cycling and SB ( r  > 0.8). Conclusions The findings suggest that SB test is reliable and adequate to evaluate aerobic performance indices of speed skaters.