EFFECTS OF DEEP-WATER AND TREADMILL RUNNING ON OXYGEN-UPTAKE AND ENERGY-EXPENDITURE IN SEASONALLY TRAINED CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNERS

Objective. The purpose of this study was to physiologically compare su bmaximal intensity deep water running (DWR) and treadmill running (TMR ) exercise in trained athletes, Experimental design, Pre-test, post-te st, 2x2 factoral design, Setting. Treadmill exercise tests occurred in the Human Performance Laboratory, DWR trials took place in the deep e nd of the University pool, Participants. Seasonally trained college-ag ed male cross country runners (N=8), Subjects completed a treadmill ma ximal oxygen consumption ((V) over dot O(2)max) test, followed by a su bmaximal treadmill and deep water run at heart rates equivalent to 60% and 80% treadmill (V) over dot O(2)max. Measures, Oxygen consumption ((V) over dot O-2), ventilation (VEstpd), rates of perceived exertion (RPE), energy expenditure (kcal min-l), respiratory exchange ratio (RE R), fat and carbohydrate oxidation (g.min(-1)) were measured during tw o 5 minute steady state stages for both trials. Results. The trial by intensity interaction for VEstpd was significant, demonstrating greate r ventilation during DWR as compared to TMR at 80% (V) over dot O(2)ma x. The main effect of trial demonstrated that significantly higher RER and carbohydrate oxidation, and lower fat oxidation occurred during D WR as compared to TMR, (V) over dot O-2, RPE, and energy expenditure d id not differ significantly between trials, Conclusions, DWR is a comp arable form of submaximal intensity exercise as TMR in well-trained at hletes, DWR does, however, maintain unique properties that differs it from TMR. Therefore, the concept of training specificity should be fur ther considered when prescribing DWR and using it as an enhancement to ol or substitute for dry land running.