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Maximal physiological responses to deep water running at thermoneutral temperature
Y Nakanishi1, T Kimura, Y Yokoo
1Department of Science, Kobe University.
Summary
Deep water running (DWR) has lower metabolic demands than treadmill running (TMR). This is due to hydrostatic effects and different muscle use, making DWR less taxing physiologically.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Deep water running (DWR) is a low-impact exercise modality.
- Understanding its metabolic demands compared to traditional treadmill running (TMR) is crucial for training prescription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the metabolic and physiological responses to maximal effort deep water running (DWR) versus treadmill running (TMR) under thermoneutral conditions.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy males performed two maximal tests: one on a treadmill and one in deep water with a buoyancy aid.
- Measurements included oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio (RQ), perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate.
Main Results:
- Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), maximal heart rate (HRmax), maximal minute ventilation, and peak blood lactate were significantly lower during DWR compared to TMR.
- VO2max was 3.40 ml/kg/min for DWR versus 2.68 ml/kg/min for TMR.
- HRmax was 190.8 beats/min for DWR versus 171.5 beats/min for TMR.
Conclusions:
- Deep water running elicits lower maximal physiological and metabolic demands compared to treadmill running.
- Hydrostatic pressure and altered muscle recruitment patterns in DWR contribute to these reduced demands.