Physiological response differences between treadmill and pool running in college - aged females

Abstract

18 women (19 - 30) were studied to determine if running in a pool elicited similar physiological responses as treadmill running. Each Ss performed 2 VO2max tests, one in the pool (P) which consisted of simulating running mechanics while wearing a light weight flotation device (Wet Vest), with the second performed on a treadmill (T). A student's dependent t test showed the T VO2max (50.6 ml*kg-1*min-1) was sig (p <.05) higher than during the P (42.6 ml*kg-1*min-1) as were all other physiological responses (absolute VO2max, VEmax, HRmax, and RERmax). It was concluded that, upon immersion, increases in both hydrostatic pressure and intrathoracic blood volume limited ventilatory and cardiovascular mechanics. These findings indicated that physiological adaptations occur upon immersion in the water medium which result in lower maximal responses than those observed on land.