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Published on: January 28, 2020
VO2 prediction and cardiorespiratory responses during underwater treadmill exercise
Nicholas P Greene1, Elizabeth S Greene, Aaron F Carbuhn
1Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. npg6a@virginia.edu
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|June 25, 2011
Summary
Underwater treadmill exercise with 50% jet resistance mimics land treadmill exercise. A new equation estimates oxygen consumption (VO2) for underwater treadmill workouts, aiding exercise prescription.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cardiorespiratory responses to exercise vary based on modality.
- Underwater treadmills (UTM) offer unique resistance but require accurate physiological assessment.
- Estimating oxygen consumption (VO2) during UTM exercise is crucial for training and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cardiorespiratory responses between underwater treadmill (UTM) and land treadmill (LTM) exercise.
- To develop an equation for estimating VO2 during UTM exercise with varying water-jet resistance.
- To determine conditions under which UTM exercise elicits similar cardiorespiratory responses to LTM exercise.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-five participants completed LTM and five UTM sessions with 0-100% water-jet resistance.
- Treadmill velocity increased incrementally from 53.6 to 187.8 m/min.
- Cardiorespiratory responses were measured, and multiple regression analysis was used to derive the VO2 estimation equation.
Main Results:
- Cardiorespiratory responses were comparable between LTM and UTM exercise at 50% water-jet resistance.
- A validated multiple regression equation (R² = .82) was derived to estimate weight-relative VO2 during UTM exercise.
- The equation incorporates height, jet resistance, velocity, and weight.
Conclusions:
- Similar cardiorespiratory responses can be achieved between LTM and UTM exercise, particularly at 50% jet resistance.
- The developed equation provides a reliable method for estimating VO2 during UTM exercise.
- This research aids in optimizing exercise prescription and physiological monitoring for UTM-based training and rehabilitation programs.
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