The Cardiovascular Responses of Running on an Underwater Treadmill at Two Different Water Temperatures Compared to Land Based Running

INTRODUCTION: Due to the benefits of aquatic exercising, it is important to quantify the metabolic demand of specific exercises performed in and out of the water environment. The prevalence of aquatic exercising is increasing due to the standard benefits of exercise, but with a reduction of stress and impact. Data from published studies are equivocal in the metabolic requirements using land-based treadmill and underwater treadmills. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the cardiovascular responses of oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) that occur when running on an underwater treadmill in 95° and 104° water temperatures compared to a land-base treadmill trial (LTM). METHODS: Fourteen college aged students aged (21.8 ± 1.7) years old, underwent three separate trials; running on an underwater treadmill in 95° water temperature (UTML), running on an underwater treadmill in 104° water temperature (UTMH), and running on a land-base treadmill. Subjects completed 7 total stages at UTMH and UTML, and on a LTM at a belt speed of (3.0 mph, 4.5 mph, 6.0 mph, 6.5 mph, 6.5 mph/30% jets, 6.5 mph/40% jets, 6.5 mph/50% jets) or 6.5 mph with increasing grade of incline of 1%, 2%, and 4%. A 3x7 repeated analysis of variance with Bonferroni adjustments were used to compare the differences between HR, and VO2 at stages 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 on LTM as well as on UTML and UTMH.The significance level for all comparisons was set to p < 0.05. RESULTS: Heart rate and VO2max were significantly different from LTM, UTML and UTMH at all stages p <0 .000 for (Trials, Time, and Trials * Time). Post-hoc analysis showed that LTM was not significant to UTML p = 0.142. However, LTM was significantly different p <0 .000 to UTMH, and UTML was significant to UTMH for HR p <0.000 at all stages. Additionally, a Post-hoc analysis for VO2 revealed that LTM was significantly different to UTML and ULTH p <0.000, but there was no significant difference between UTML and ULTH p = 1.000. CONCLUSION: This study indicated significant differences in HR but not in VO2 when exercising on a UTM at different water temperatures. This suggests there is no practical advantage to exercising in 104° water. Therefore, individuals should determine which method is most practical and beneficial to either elicit or maintain their current cardiorespiratory fitness.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physical Education-Exercise Physiology/Adult Fitness

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Akron

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Kiger, Dana

Contributors dc:contributor

• Otterstetter, Ronald

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Aquatic Sciences
• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• underwater treadmill running
• cardiovascular responses
• shallow water running

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1365435796

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:akron1365435796