Heart Rate Response and Lactic Acid Concentration in Squash Players

Abstract

Abstract To determine whether the activity of playing squash is sufficiently intense to promote and/or maintain cardiovascular fitness, the heart rate response of ten male subjects (aged 20 to 53 years), was monitored continuously via radio telemetry for a 45-minute playing session. The mean heart rate for the total time of play was determined and intensity was calculated using the Karvonen method of potential heart rate. Maximum heart rate was determined with a continuous, graded bicycle ergometer test. Prior to and 5 minutes after squash play, fingertip blood samples were obtained for lactate analysis. The mean heart rate intensity of squash play was 77.2 ± 6.1 %. Intensities as high as 96% were recorded for 5-minute periods during the playing session. The average game heart rate was attained by the 10th minute of play. Thereafter, a heart rate fluctuation of only six beats was observed for the remaining 35 minutes. Postexercise lactate concentrations ranged from 11 to 57 mg% with a mean of 24.5 ± 13.8 ...