Effects of Different Seat Pressures and Rowing Cadences on Muscle Oxygenation and Physiological Parameter Responses

Kuei-Yu Chien,En-Tzu Wang,Feng-Yi Chang,Hsiao-Yun Chang,Wan-Chin Chen,Wei-Han Chen,Yong Yang

doi:10.3390/app112210621

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of rowing with different seat cushion and cadence conditions on oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) and total hemoglobin (tHb) levels of the erector spinae (ES) as well as the effects on heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Thirty healthy adults completed tests under three unstable air seat cushion pressure levels (0, 80, and 140 mmHg) and three rowing cadences (slow: 18 bpm, medium: 30 bpm, and fast: 36 bpm) on a rowing machine, for a total of nine test conditions. During the exercise period, rowing on cushions set to 80 mmHg resulted in greater O2Hb and tHb changes than did rowing at 0 mmHg (p < 0.05). When rowing cadence increased, the O2Hb and tHb decreased during the exercise period, whereas HR and RPE increased (p < 0.05). During the recovery period, O2Hb and tHb on cushions set to 140 mmHg during slow rowing were higher than those at 0 mmHg during slow rowing and 140 mmHg during fast rowing (p < 0.05). Rowing on an appropriate pressure of seat cushion and using a slow cadence contribute to increasing muscle oxygenation of low back during exercise.

Highlights

Sedentary behavior is defined as “any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 METs while in a sitting or reclining posture” [1]
All outcomes in the exercise period were related to the main effects of cushion pressure or rowing cadence (Table 2)
heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) increased with rowing cadence; they were significantly higher at high rowing cadences than at low (p < 0.001; p = 0.001) and medium rowing cadences (p = 0.004; p = 0.021), and HR and RPE increments were higher at medium cadences than at low cadences (p < 0.001; p = 0.026)

Summary

Introduction

Sedentary behavior is defined as “any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 METs (metabolic equivalent of task) while in a sitting or reclining posture” [1]. An immobile or inactive lifestyle can cause abnormal metabolism and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in young people [4], adults, and older adults [5], and it may decrease cardiopulmonary aerobic capacity [6]. Studies have demonstrated that fatigue occurs later when the body maintains a higher muscle tissue oxygenation concentration [11]. In certain studies, during dynamic exercise tests, healthy individuals experienced a lower decline in oxygen concentration in the back muscles than did patients with LBP [12,13], which means that less oxygen was consumed by the healthy individuals [14]. Increasing the capacity of trunk muscles can reduce the symptoms of back muscle fatigue [17] and alleviate LBP during physical activity [18]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion