Running on land and in water: comparative exercise physiology
Svedenhag, J.; Seger, J.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 24(10): 1155-1160
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0195-9131 PMID: 1435164 Document Number: 390219
The effect of water immersion on cardiorespiratory and blood lactate responses during running was investigated. Wearing a buoyant vest, 10 trained runners (mean age 26 yr) ran in water at four different and specified submaximal loads (target heart rates 115, 130, 145, and 155-160 beats cntdot min-1) and at maximal exercise intensity. Oxygen uptakes ( ovrhdot VO-2), heart rates, perceived exertions, and blood lactate concentrations were measured. Values were compared with levels obtained during treadmill running. For a given ovrhdot VO-2, heart rate was 8-11 beats cntdot min-1 lower during water running than during treadmill running, irrespective for exercise intensity. Both the maximal oxygen uptake (4.03 vs 4.60 l cntdot min-1) and heart rate (172 vs 188 beats cntdot min-1) were lower during water running. Perceived exertion (legs and breathing) and the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were higher during submaximal water running during treadmill running, while ventilation (l cntdot min-1) was similar. The blood lactate concentrations were consistently higher in water than on the treadmill, both when related to ovrhdot VO-2 and to % ovrhdot VO-2max. Partly in conformity with earlier cycle ergometer studies, these data suggest that immersion induces acute cardiac adjustments that extend up to the maximal exercise level. Furthermore, both the external hydrostatic load and altered running technique may add to an increased anaerobic metabolism during supported water running.