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Maximal and submaximal physiological responses to adaptation to deep water running
Liane B Azevedo1, Mike I Lambert, Paulo S Zogaib
1Health and Social Care Institute, Teeside University, Middlesbrough, UK. l.azevedo@tees.ac.uk
Journal of Sports Sciences
|February 16, 2010
Summary
Deep water running adaptation reduces physiological differences compared to treadmill running. Adapted runners show less reduction in maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) during deep water running.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Deep water running is a low-impact exercise modality.
- Understanding physiological responses to deep water running is crucial for training programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cardiorespiratory responses between adapted and non-adapted runners during maximal and ventilatory threshold intensity deep water running versus treadmill running.
- To investigate the effect of deep water running adaptation on physiological parameters.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen runners (10 adapted, 7 non-adapted) performed maximal graded exercise tests on a treadmill and in deep water.
- Measured cardiorespiratory variables including maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), heart rate, and ventilation.
Main Results:
- Adapted runners exhibited a smaller decrease in VO2max during deep water running compared to treadmill running than non-adapted runners.
- Treadmill running elicited significantly higher maximal oxygen consumption, heart rate, and ventilation compared to deep water running across both groups.
- Physiological responses at the ventilatory threshold were also higher during treadmill running.
Conclusions:
- Adaptation to deep water running mitigates the physiological differences observed between deep water and treadmill running.
- Increased muscle recruitment may explain the reduced VO2max difference in adapted runners.
- Findings support previous research indicating lower maximal and submaximal physiological demands in deep water running.
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