20th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Effect of added weight on cardiorespiratory parameters in college women
Christie M. Carbery* and Sasha N. Ellis
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Prof. Jana Arabas, Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of added body weight on maximal cardiorespiratory parameters. Three athletic females performed two randomly assigned grade-incremented all-out treadmill tests, one at body weight and one with an additional 3.2 kg worn around the waist. Metabolic parameters were measured via open-circuit spirometry using an automated cart. There was no significant difference between relative VO2max (ml/kg/min) when calculated using the actual exercising body weight. However, when relative VO2max was calculated using body weight alone, the weighted treadmill VO2max was significantly higher by 5.5%. This was due to the significantly greater absolute VO2max (L/min) during the weighted test. None of the other parameters (i.e., RER, respiratory rate, VE, or Kcal/min) were significantly different. The results of this pilot study would suggest that training while carrying additional weight could have a significantly greater effect on cardiorespiratory development.
Keywords: VO2 max, training, athlete, exercise, weight
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 2-14
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15 pm