The effect of pulsing movements on the physiological response to common exercises

There is a paucity of research on responses to exercises using pulsatile movements (PM) compared to using a full range of motion (FM). The purpose of the present study was to compare the physiological responses to PM vs. FM exercises.

Eight participants completed two separate exercise sessions, comprised of three sets of 20 repetitions for five different exercises. During the FM trial, all repetitions were performed using a full range of motion. In the PM trial, half of the repetitions were performed using pulsing movements. Average VO2, total VO2, HR and RPE were compared using paired t-tests. Blood lactate [La-] responses were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance.

Average VO2 in the PM trial (1.52±0.38 L min-1) was similar to the FM trial (1.57±0.43 L min-1). However, total VO2 (PM=23.1±6.6 L, FM=27.2±6.9 L), average HR (PM=134.4 ± 10.9, FM=146.2±14.6 beats per min) and RPE (PM=12.2±0.9, FM=13.3±0.9) were significantly (P<0.05) lower for the PM trial. There were no significant differences in blood [La-] response (PM pre=1.7±0.8, post=6.1±0.8 mmol L-1; FM pre=1.6±0.4, post=6.8±0.5 mmol L-1).

FM exercises elicit higher HR and RPE responses compared to PM exercises; without corresponding increases in metabolic rate.