The effects of a seven week slideboard training program
Abstract
The slideboard is a new exercise device that may provide a form of aerobic exercise. The cardiorespiratory and muscular strength and endurance benefits have not been established. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the changes in leg strength and endurance, aerobic capacity, and body composition, during seven weeks of training on a slideboard. Ten male subjects ages 19-30 (x = 24 {dollar}\pm{dollar} 3) with an above average fitness level, volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects completed a max VO2 treadmill test, strength and endurance tests of knee extension/flexion, hip extension/flexion, and hip adduction/abduction, and skinfold tests for body composition pre and post training. A one way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant increases in maximum heart rate (192.9 bpm vs 195.7 bpm, p =.006). Left leg flexion endurance also significantly increased following the training (5.0 sec vs 6.2 sec, p =.0181). There was no significant differences found in any of the other variables measured. For individuals with an above average fitness level between the ages of 19 and 30, a seven week training program using a slide board with the same intensities and durations used in this study did not cause significant changes in cardiorespiratory fitness level or strength and endurance measurements with the exception of left leg flexion endurance.