Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the metabolic responses and mechanical impact forces during a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) on a laddermill (LM) vs. a standard treadmill (TM). Twenty college-aged men (n = 10) and women completed a GXT on the TM and LM in random order. During the GXT, expired gases (VO2 and VCO2), heart rate, accelerometer data, blood lactate (BLa), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected in the last minute of each stage. Data were analyzed by paired t-tests and presented herein as mean ± SD. Treadmill exercise resulted in a higher VO2peak than LM exercise (45.6 ± 7.5 vs. 41.2 ± 5.6 ml·kg-1·min-1, p < 0.001). Blood lactate threshold was similar (p = 0.2) between LM (62 ± 17% VO2peak) and TM (68 ± 1% VO2peak). The average activity level experienced during LM (0.14 ± 0.04 vector magnitude unit [VMU]) exercise was lower (p < 0.0001) vs. TM (0.67 ± 0.01 VMU). Additionally, impact forces were reduced (p < 0.005) from the vertical plane during LM (-0.46 ± 0.12g) compared with TM (-0.81 ± 0.06g) exercise. Our results suggest that the nature of LM exercise does not elicit the same VO2peak response observed during TM exercise. However, impact forces were reduced and energy expenditure remained higher during LM testing, whereas RPE was similar between modalities. LM exercise may provide an alternative to individuals seeking to incur a negative energy balance, but to whom higher impact forces are detrimental.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

First Page

195

Last Page

200

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