Related Experiment Videos
Running on land and in water: comparative exercise physiology
1Department of Clinical Physiology, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Water running with a buoyant vest shows lower heart rates and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) compared to treadmill running. However, blood lactate levels are higher, suggesting increased anaerobic metabolism due to hydrostatic pressure and altered running form.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Water immersion is known to affect physiological responses during exercise.
- Understanding cardiorespiratory and metabolic adaptations to aquatic exercise is crucial for training protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of water immersion on cardiorespiratory and blood lactate responses during running.
- To compare physiological parameters during water running versus treadmill running.
Main Methods:
- Ten trained runners performed running exercise in water with a buoyant vest at various submaximal and maximal intensities.
- Measurements included oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, perceived exertion, blood lactate, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER).
- Data were compared to those obtained during equivalent treadmill running.
Main Results:
- For a given VO2, heart rate was 8-11 beats.min-1 lower in water than on a treadmill.
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal heart rate were reduced during water running.
- Perceived exertion and RER were higher during submaximal water running, while blood lactate concentrations were consistently elevated compared to treadmill running.
Conclusions:
- Water immersion induces acute cardiac adjustments during running, extending to maximal exercise intensities.
- Increased hydrostatic pressure and altered running technique in water may contribute to a higher anaerobic metabolism during supported water running.