Exercise testing of professional athletes: Specific or universal?

Abstract

Aim. The article deals with comparing the data obtained from exercise load tests by using various ergometers. Materials and methods. Twenty professional athletes (15 triathletes and 5 ski-racers) aged 14-38 participated in the test performed with the help of the cycle ergometer, treadmill, and Thorax Trainer ski machine. The experiment took place at the premises of UrFU sports research laboratory (Yekaterinburg, Russia). Cycle ergometer and treadmill tests were conducted with a maximal RAMP protocol and a system for exercise testing (Schiller). A high-intensity interval test was conducted with the help of Thorax Trainer ski machine. All tests were performed with the analysis of gas exchange and heart rate. Results. It was established that there were no significant differences in the reaction of the cardiorespiratory system to load when comparing the data from cycle ergometer and treadmill tests as well as cycle ergometer and ski machine tests. In particular, we found no significant differences in the values of maximum oxygen consumption, ventilation, maximum HR, HR at aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, and HR during recovery after the test. Conclusion. Cycle ergometer test with a maximal RAMP protocol is the most informative and universal method for the aerobic testing of functional capacity in professional athletes. © 2019 Human Sport Medicine.All rights reserved.