Physiological effects of an acute bout of shallow water sprinting

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare heart rate, blood lactate, flexibility, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in males sprinting on land and in shallow water. Twenty recreationally active males participated in sprinting on land and in shallow water. Ten 9.1m sprints were performed during each condition. Heart rate, blood lactate, and range of motion were measured before and after each condition. RPE was evaluated immediately after exercise. DOMS was assessed at 24 h and 48 h postexercise. The results show that heart rate and range of motion increase similarly in both conditions. Blood lactate levels and RPE increase the most during sprinting in the water. Sprinting in shallow water elicits similar heart rate responses and range of motion following sprinting on land and in water. Higher lactate and RPE levels when sprinting in water suggest that the metabolic demands of shallow water sprinting are different than land sprinting of the same distance. © 2013 Human Kinetics, Inc.