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Heart rate is lower during ergometer rowing than during treadmill running.
Chie C Yoshiga1, Mitsuru Higuchi
1Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo ward, Japan. yoshiga@kk.iij4u.or.jp
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|June 19, 2002
Summary
Heart rate response to exercise is lower during rowing than running, even at maximal intensity. This difference is due to rowing
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiovascular Response
- Sports Science
Background:
- Heart rate (HR) response to exercise is influenced by various factors.
- Understanding how body position and muscle mass affect HR is crucial for exercise prescription.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the comparative HR responses between rowing and running.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if the heart rate (HR) response to exercise is dependent on body position and active muscle mass.
- To compare the HR response between ergometer rowing and treadmill running.
Main Methods:
- 55 healthy men performed progressive intensity protocols on an ergometer rower and treadmill.
- Blood lactate concentrations were measured to assess exercise intensity.
- Heart rate and maximal oxygen uptake were recorded during both exercise modalities.
Main Results:
- Lower HR during rowing compared to running at blood lactate concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 mmol.l(-1).
- Lower maximal HR during rowing versus running.
- Higher maximal oxygen uptake during rowing than running.
- Increased oxygen pulse during rowing, indicating a higher stroke volume.
Conclusions:
- The seated position and greater muscle mass involvement in rowing facilitate venous return.
- Rowing elicits a smaller HR response for the same relative exercise intensity compared to running.
- These findings have implications for exercise prescription and understanding cardiovascular adaptation.