Network Magazine spring 2014 | Page 50

were performed both with and without a BOSU ball for three sets of 20 reps. Push ups also incorporated a lateral crawl for three sets of 10 reps, and a 2-minute rest interval was also provided. The bodyweight group also performed burpees for three sets of 10 reps, again with a 2-minute rest interval. This group also incorporated prone isometric exercises (i.e. plank) for three sets of 30-seconds, also with a 2-minute rest interval. The battling rope (10.9kg) group completed three sets of 30-second bouts with 2-minute rest intervals. Each of the sets was divided into three 10-second bouts of single-arm alternating waves, double-arm waves with a one-half squat and double-arm slams with a half squat. The article features a table that provides an excellent overview of the different groups’ training regimes. In total there were 13 separate exercise protocols which the subjects completed on separate days (in a randomised order, one exercise per session). The authors assessed the metabolic requirements (peak and average VO2) and energy expenditure (kcals per minute) using open circuit spirometry and exercise heart rates for each of the exercises performed. Results: A total of 10 experienced resistance-trained males (mean age 20.6yrs) participated in the study. There were significant differences between a large number of the exercises completed. In brief, the battling rope exercises achieved the highest peak and mean VO2 (38.6 and 24.6ml/kg/min), highest energy expenditure (10.3kcals/min) and highest exercise heart rate (~153bpm, ~77% age predicted HRmax) when compared to the other exercises in the study. The second highest (for all measurements) was burpees, which had a peak and mean VO2 of 35.9 and 22.9ml/kg/ min, energy expenditure of 9.6kcals/min and exercise heart rate of 136.3bpm. The squats, deadlifts and push ups (with lateral crawl) ‘scored’ very similarly, with peak VO2’s ranging from 31 to 32.5ml/kg/min. Energy expenditure for these exercises was also similar, burning approximately 7.8 to 8.2kcals/min. The lowest values were associated with planking, for which VO2 peak and mean were 12.8 and 7.9ml/kg/min and energy expenditure was 3.3kcals/min. Planking also had the lowest exercise heart rate at (on average) 93bpm. The article features another excellent table that lists the metabolic responses for each of the 13 exercises. The authors conclude that it is not surprising that the highest metabolic responses were seen in the large muscle mass exercises and the lowest value seen in the plank, which is isometric and therefore less metabolically challenging. The 30-second article • A study evaluated the metabolic demands of 13 common modes of exercise • The battling rope exercises achieved the highest peak and mean VO2, energy expenditure and exercise heart rate – closely followed by burpees • The lowest values were associated with prone isometric exercises (planking) • The findings are useful for all fitness professionals, particularly those training clients to achieve fat loss energy substrate is fat. Conversely, if your RQ value is 0.99 you are burning 5.035 kcals/min per 1.0 litre of oxygen consumed and the majority (96.8 per cent) is from carbohydrate. This equates to a 6.8 per cent higher caloric expenditure, depending upon your RQ value. It should be remembered that the caloric output was averaged across the whole work and rest period, not just the exercise time. Although the focus was on energy expenditure, though important, that The battling rope exercises achieved the highest peak and mean VO2 , highest energy expenditure and highest exercise heart rate when compared to the other exercises in the study Pros: This study is very applicable to a wide array of exercise enthusiasts and exercise professionals who can make good use of these findings. It is important to differentiate between specificity of training for musculoskeletal benefits versus cardiorespiratory or energy expenditure benefits. Cons: It’s quite surprising that the authors chose to estimate energy expenditure (4.8 kcals per 1.0 litre of oxygen consumption) as opposed to calculating from the respiratory quotient (RQ) which would be far more accurate as they were using open circuit spirometry to measure maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). For example, if your RQ value is 0.73 you are burning 4.714 kcals/min per 1.0 litre of oxygen consumed and the majority (91.6 per cent) of the 50 | NETWORK SPRING 2014 is only one factor of many to consider when designing an exercise program. For my colleague and my clients reading this: there is a lot of hard work coming up with plenty more squats, deadlifts, lunges, battling ropes and – of course – burpees coming your way! Associate Professor Mike Climstein, PhD FASMF FACSM FAAESS is one of Australia’s leading Accredited Exercise Physiologists. He is the program director of Clinical Exercise Science and co-director of the Water Based Research Unit at Bond University’s Institute of Health & Sport. michael_