Comparison of Deep Water Running and Treadmill Running at a Predetermined RPE in Middle Aged Men

Abstract

Deep water running is an aquatic has recently become a popular mode of exercise, largely because it mirrors the movements of land based running, and decreases musculoskeletal stress. PURPOSE: To examine the physiological differences between tethered deep water running and treadmill running at an RPE of 13 in middle aged men. METHODS: Twelve male subjects aged 35–50 participated in 10 minutes of treadmill running and 10 minutes of tethered water running at an RPE of 13 on nonconsecutive days. Prior to the exercise sessions, all subjects completed two familiarization sessions for each exercise mode. The subjects were allowed to adjust the exercise intensity during each bout to maintain the prescribed RPE. All experimental trials were conducted in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Heart rate (HR), ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and energy expenditure (Kcals) were monitored throughout each exercise session. Paired t-tests were used to compare physiological variables between treadmill and deep water running. RESULTS: HR, VE, VO2, Kcals were all significantly lower (p < .001) in deep water running than treadmill running. Conversely, RER was significantly higher (p < .05) in deep water running than treadmill running. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that deep water running does not elicit the same physiological response as treadmill running for middle aged men exercising at a predetermined RPE. This provides further evidence that exercise mode influences exercise intensity at equivalent RPE's. Therefore, higher RPE's may be required when using water based running as a substitute for treadmill exercise.