Metabolic Responses to a Battling Rope Protocol Performed in the Seated or Stance Positions

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Cardiovascular exercise is crucial for overall health.
• Traditional aerobic exercises like cycling and treadmill running require specific physical capabilities.
• Alternative exercise modalities are needed for individuals with limited mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the metabolic responses (oxygen consumption and heart rate) of a battling rope protocol (BRP) in seated and standing positions.
• To compare BRP responses against established maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) tests (treadmill and cycle).
• To assess the correlation between BRP metabolic demands and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max/HRmax.

Main Methods:

• Forty healthy subjects underwent either a ramped V[Combining Dot Above]O2max treadmill or cycle test.
• Subjects later performed a BRP consisting of 10 sets of 15 seconds work / 45 seconds rest.
• The BRP was performed in a standing position for those who did the treadmill test, and in a seated position for those who did the cycle test. Peak oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) and peak heart rate (HRpeak) were recorded.

Main Results:

• Metabolic responses (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and HRpeak) during both seated and standing BRP were significantly lower than HRmax and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max from treadmill/cycle tests.
• BRP elicited V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak at approximately 71.87% (seated) and 68.37% (standing) of subjects' V[Combining Dot Above]O2max.
• Moderate correlations were observed between BRP V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and HRpeak with treadmill/cycle V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and HRmax, respectively (seated: r=0.61, standing: r=0.43 for V[Combining Dot Above]O2; seated: r=0.52, standing: r=0.67 for HRpeak).

Conclusions:

• Battling rope protocols provide a lower-cost, accessible option for improving cardiovascular endurance.
• BRP may be particularly beneficial for individuals unable to perform traditional aerobic exercises due to mobility limitations.
• Further research could explore optimal BRP parameters for specific training goals and populations.