Development of a maximal testing protocol for the NordicTrack cross-country ski simulator.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid VO2max testing protocol for the NordicTrack (NT) cross-country ski simulator. To be considered a valid protocol, it was felt that the maximal values obtained from the cross-country skiing (XC) test should be similar to those obtained from a maximal graded treadmill (TM) test. During pilot testing, cadence (strides x min(-1), arm resistance, leg resistance, and grade were individually manipulated to study the effect on measured VO2. A protocol for the NT was developed from the findings of the pilot study, and the results were compared with a TM VO2max test utilizing the Bruce protocol. Thirteen male and 15 female volunteers (aged 22-49 yr) served as subjects and completed both tests in random order. The maximal physiological responses from the XC and TM max tests were compared using paired t-tests. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in maximal VO2 (42.5 vs. 42.6 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1); 3.27 vs. 3.31 L x min(-1)), heart rates (HR; 185 vs. 185 bpm), or ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; 19.0 vs. 19.1) for the XC and TM tests. There were significant (P<0.05) differences for maximal VE (124.5 vs. 118.6 L x min(-1)) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER; 1.15 vs. 1.21) between the XC and TM tests, respectively. It was concluded that the testing protocol developed for the NT XC simulator is valid and can be expected to elicit similar maximal values when compared with TM testing.