Comparison of Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Responses Between Kettlebell Half Marathon and Treadmill Running at the Same Average Oxygen Consumption: A Case Study

Abstract

Purposes

In kettlebell sport (KS) half marathon, the lift of the kettlebell is required for the highest number of repetitions in 30 min. No data are available on cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during this exercise routine. The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to KS half marathon compared to 30 min treadmill running, chosen as a reference paradigm of aerobic exercise, at the same average oxygen consumption (VO₂).

Methods

A male elite KS athlete was enrolled in two trials separated by 7 days of rest. In the first trial, one-hand long-cycle KS exercise with a 1/3 body weight kettlebell was performed for 30 min (kettlebell half marathon, KT); in the second trial, 30 min treadmill running (TR) was performed at the same average VO₂ measured in the first trial (speed 9–10 km/h at 1° uphill inclination). Metabolic and cardiopulmonary assessments [respiratory exchange ratio (RER), tidal volume (TV), breathing frequency (f), minute ventilation (VE)], blood lactate (BL) kinetics, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were measured in both experimental sessions.

Results

The average VO₂ was 33.3 mL/min/kg in KT and 30.6 mL/min/kg in TR. The subject achieved RER_peak 1.17, RER_mean 0.98, HR_peak 172 bpm (94% HR_max), HR_mean 86% of HR_max, BP_peak 220/100 mmHg in KT, BL_peak 7.2 mmol/L (during trial) in KT and RER_peak 1.13, RER_mean 0.89, HR_peak 142 bpm (78% HR_max), HR_mean 70% of HR_max, BP_peak 160/80 mmHg, BL_peak 3.5 mmol/L (4 min after trial) mmol/L in TR.

Conclusion

Data indicate that a KS half marathon determines much higher cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to treadmill running performed at similar VO₂.

Funding

Open access funding provided by Università degli Studi di Pavia within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.

Università degli Studi di Pavia