Maximal isometric strength indices are associated with the oxygen cost of walking and running in recreationally active men and women. Issue 5 (3rd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schumann, Moritz; Chen, Ziyuan; Wang, Xiuqiang; Le, Shenglong; Zhang, Tao; Waller, Katja; Cheng, Sulin
• Is Part Of: Research in sports medicine. Volume 30:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 540
• Page End: 553
• Publication Date: 2022-09-03
• Subjects: Walking economy -- oxygen consumption -- maximal strength -- gross caloric unit cost -- gross oxygen cost; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine du sport -- Périodiques; 617.102705
• DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2021.1917404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1543-8627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study assessed the associations of maximal isometric strength and movement economy in 126 recreationally active men and women. Oxygen consumption was assessed through a graded treadmill test with 4-minute increments (4–12 km∙h −1 ). Maximal isometric leg extensor, leg flexor and handgrip strength were assessed by isometric dynamometry. Models of best fit for gross oxygen cost and gross caloric unit cost were observed across the majority of velocities when the leg extensor/flexor strength ratio and handgrip strength were combined (R 2 = 0.207–0.525 and R 2 = 0.152–0.475, respectively). Additionally, the oxygen cost differed statistically for the majority of velocities when participants were split by the median of leg extensor strength (12.3–26.3 ml∙kg −1 ∙km −1, p < 0.05) and the average of all strength variables (13.9–30.3 ml∙kg −1 ∙km −1, p < 0.05). Our data underline the importance of maintaining maximal strength in order to perform activities with low to moderate oxygen demands.