The Effects of Land vs. Aquatic HIIT Treadmill Running on Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance – A Pilot Study

Author

Cory N. Egli, University of Akron Main CampusFollow

Date of Last Revision

2023-05-02 16:53:11

Major

Exercise Science - PrePhysical Therapy

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Fall 2015

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how high intensity interval training (HIIT) performed on a land treadmill (LT) versus HIIT on an underwater aquatic treadmill (AT) would affect aerobic and anaerobic performance. The HIIT program consisted of running 8 intervals beginning with a 20 second workout and increasing exercise 5 seconds each interval until 55 seconds was reached. Ten seconds rest between each interval was protocol for a total interval running time of 5 minutes. The frequency of this training program was 3 times/week for 6 weeks. Nineteen college aged subjects were recruited, 13 subjects completed the program including pre and post-testing which consisted of maximal oxygen consumption tests (VO_2max) and Wingate anaerobic tests (mean power and peak power). The subjects were randomly placed into an aquatic treadmill group (ATG, n=6) or land treadmill group (LTG, n=7). The VO_2max tests were conducted on an AT for the ATG subjects and a LT for LTG subjects. The exercise intensity for the training program intervals was calculated off the greatest treadmill velocity and grade/jet resistance that the subject achieved during the VO_2max test. The test results showed that the LTG and ATG both increased their VO_2max, mean power, and peak power. The LTG showed a higher increase in VO_2max, where as the ATG showed greater increases in mean and peak power. In conclusion, an increasing interval HIIT program performed 3 times/wk for 6 weeks may produce similar improvements in aerobic (VO_2max) and anaerobic (mean power and peak power) performance on an aquatic treadmill as a land treadmill.

Research Sponsor

Ronald Otterstetter, Ph.D.

First Reader

Stacey Buser, M.S., ATC

Second Reader

Rachele Kappler, M.S., CES

Recommended Citation

Egli, Cory N., "The Effects of Land vs. Aquatic HIIT Treadmill Running on Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance – A Pilot Study" (2015). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 232.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/232