Energy expenditure and relative exercise intensity on the FreebounderTM

Abstract

Regular physical activity provides many health benefits. However, the principle excuse for a sedentary lifestyle is lack of time. In this regard, more time-effective protocols have been used. One such protocol is high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT has been shown to provide the benefits of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) with significantly less volume and duration. However, one downfall to many HIIT protocols is the increased impact forces. The FreebounderTM is a low-impact alternative. The goal of this study was to examine the intensity of exercise on the FreebounderTM and see if it meets ACSM’s recommendations for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition. Fourteen healthy, college-aged individuals completed a 12-minute training session on the FreebounderTM. Heart rate (HR), VO2, and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were recorded. The average %HRmax was 75.0% + 12.74%. The average %VO2max was 48.0 + 4.54%. The average RPE was 12.3 + 1.35. Based on the results, a training session falls into the moderate to intense category of intensity as described by ACSM. In this regard, it appears that exercising on the FreebounderTM will increase cardiorespiratory fitness.