Comparing Cardiopulmonary Functions of National Race Walkers by Walking and Running during Graded Exercise Testing

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify a sport-specific assessment for elite race-walking athletes by comparing physiological responses between walking and running graded exercise test (GXT) protocols.METHODS: Six elite race-walking athletes completed both walking and running protocols in a randomized crossover design with 1 week interval between trials. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO<sub>2</sub>max), ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout and after each trial, and blood lactate levels were collected during the recovery period.RESULTS: There were significant differences in VO<sub>2</sub>max, VE, and HR values between the walking and running protocols (<i>p</i><.001). During the recovery period, VO<sub>2</sub>max, VE, HR, and blood lactate levels were significantly different in each measurement (<i>p</i><.001); however, there was no difference between the walking and running protocols.CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, both the walking and running GXT protocols were inappropriate for assessing elite racewalking athletes. This study suggests that a supplement GXT protocol is required to specifically assess elite race-walking athletes.