Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 49, Issue 5 881-887, Copyright © 1980 by American Physiological Society
Body acceleration distribution and O2 uptake in humans during running and jumping
A. Bhattacharya, E. P. McCutcheon, E. Shvartz and J. E. Greenleaf
Body acceleration distribution and its relation to the mode of generation
were determined in eight young males (19-26 yr) who walked and ran on a
treadmill operated at four speeds and jumped on a trampoline at four
heights. With increasing treadmill speed, peak acceleration at the ankle
(Aa = 3.0-12.0 Gz) always exceeded that at the back and forehead (Ab =
0.9-5.0 Gz, and Ah = 0.8-3.9 Gz); these acceleration profiles included
higher frequency components than those during jumping. Corresponding ranges
of oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were 0.8-3.0 l/min and 90-180
beats/min, respectively. With increasing jumping height, acceleration
levels were more symmetrically distributed (Aa = 3.0-7.0 Gz, Ab = 3.9-6.0
Gz, and Ah = 3.0-5.6 Gz); VO2 and HR ranges were 1.1-2.5 l/min and 102-175
beats/min, respectively. VO2 was linearly related to HR for both types of
exercise. The results indicate that, for similar levels of HR and VO2, the
magnitude of the biomechanical stimuli is greater with jumping on a
trampoline than with running, a finding that might help identify
acceleration parameters needed for the design of remedial procedures to
avert deconditioning in persons exposed to weightlessness.
