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Effects of Synchronization between Cardiac and Locomotor Rhythms on Oxygen Pulse during Walking
Shinta Takeuchi1, Yusuke Nishida2, Takashi Mizushima1
1Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, University Hospital , Department of Rehabilitation, Shizuoka, Japan.
Insights
Cardiac-locomotor synchronization (CLS) during walking significantly increased oxygen pulse (O2 pulse), indicating enhanced cardiovascular efficiency. The strength of this synchronization directly correlated with the observed increase in O2 pulse.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiovascular Dynamics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Cardiac-locomotor synchronization (CLS) describes the phenomenon where the heart rate aligns with the frequency of limb movements during locomotion.
- Understanding the physiological implications of CLS, particularly its impact on cardiovascular function during walking, is crucial for optimizing exercise protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of induced cardiac-locomotor synchronization (CLS) on oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) during walking in healthy men.
- To determine the relationship between the strength of CLS and changes in O2 pulse.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy men participated in two treadmill walking protocols: a CLS protocol (walking at heart rate frequency) and a free protocol (self-selected cadence).
- Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters, including heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), and O2 pulse, were continuously measured.
- Treadmill load was standardized to maintain HR at approximately 120 bpm for both protocols.
Main Results:
- Oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) and oxygen consumption (VO2) were significantly higher during the CLS protocol compared to the free protocol.
- No significant difference in mean heart rate (HR) was observed between the two protocols.
- A significant positive correlation was found between the strength of CLS and the increase in O2 pulse.
Conclusions:
- The occurrence of cardiac-locomotor synchronization (CLS) enhances oxygen pulse during walking.
- Increased synchronization strength in CLS is associated with a greater augmentation of O2 pulse, suggesting improved cardiovascular efficiency.
Abstract:
The oObjective of the study was to investigate whether the occurrence of cardiac-locomotor synchronization (CLS) affects oxygen pulse (O2 pulse, mL/beat) during walking. Twelve healthy men were studied under two treadmill protocols. The CLS protocol involved subjects walking at a frequency of their heart rate (HR) to induce CLS. The free protocol (reference) involved subjects walking at a self-selected cadence. The treadmill load was equal between the two protocols and was adjusted so that the subject's HR was maintained at approximately 120 bpm. Electrocardiographic signals, foot switch signals, and oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured continuously for 10 min after the heart rate reached a steady state. VO2, O2 pulse, and mean HR were calculated. VO2 and O2 pulse were significantly higher in subjects in the CLS protocol compared to those in the free protocol. However, mean HR was not different between the two groups. The synchronization strength was significantly related to the increase in O2 pulse in subjects in the CLS protocol compared with those in the free protocol. These results suggest that the occurrence of CLS enhances O2 pulse by increasing the strength of CLS during walking. Key PointsTwelve healthy men walked at a frequency of their heart rate (CLS protocol) and at a self-selected cadence (free protocol).Walking at the frequency of heart rate would induce the CLS by entrainment.Oxygen pulse was significantly higher in subjects in the CLS protocol compared to those in the free protocol.The occurrence of CLS enhances oxygen pulse by increasing the strength of CLS during walking.
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