Heart rate and VO(2) responses to treadmill running with body weight support using the GlideTrak™

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The heart rate (HR) and metabolic (VO(2)) responses to treadmill running using the GlideTrak™ body weight support system have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to compare the submaximal and maximal HR and VO(2) responses to normal-weight treadmill running (TMR) to treadmill running with body weight support provided by the GlideTrak™ (GTR). METHODS: Twenty participants (11 males; 9 females) 18 to 26 years of age voluntarily participated in this study. Each participant completed two exercise tests in each mode of running: a maximal graded exercise test to compare maximal HR and VO(2) values and a submaximal exercise test to compare the HR-VO(2) relationship. RESULTS: Maximal HR and VO(2) values were significantly (p < 0.001) lower during GTR (183.4 ± 9.1 bpm, 38.1 ± 7.2 mL kg(−1) min(−1)) compared to TMR (194.3 ± 8.6 bpm, 49.5 ± 8.9 kg(−1) min(−1)). There was a significant difference in the HR-VO(2) relationship between GTR and TMR. Compared to TMR, exercising at a HR of 140 bpm resulted in a VO(2) that was 4.0 mL kg(−1) min(−1) lower during GTR. At the VO(2) associated with a HR of 140 bpm during TMR, the HR during GTR was 16 bpm higher. During GTR at intensities of exercise up to an RER of 1.0, only 8 participants achieved vigorous intensities of aerobic exercise defined as 64-90% of VO(2)max. CONCLUSION: Exercising with the GlideTrak™ body weight support system may not provide the same cardiorespiratory training stimulus as normal-weight treadmill running.