Reliability of Peak Cardiorespiratory Responses During Aquatic Treadmill Exercise

Abstract

Twenty-four college-age participants took part in 2 protocols on an aquatic treadmill (ATM) submerged to the xiphoid process. ATM speed was increased to 212.2 ± 19.2 m/min, and water-jet resistance was increased 10% every minute thereafter. Rest between sessions was at least 6 days. Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VE), breathing frequency (f), and respiratory-exchange ratio (RER) were measured continuously. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded immediately after each test, and blood lactate (LA) was measured 3 mm after. There were no significant differences for Trial 1 vs. Trial 2 for any variable. ICCs were very strong (r = .90-99), and coefficients of variance (CVs) were low (1.3-4.7%) for VO2peak, HR, VE, and VT; ICCs were moderate (r = .73-.76) and CVs were greater (2.5-9.3%) for f, RER, and LA. The ATM VO2peak protocol used in this study produces consistent, reproducible VO2peak values. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR