Comparing the effects of simultaneous execution versus isolated training on oxygen consumption during exercise
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.118687Keywords:
Oxygen consumption, strength training, simultaneous executionAbstract
Introduction: Strength training (ST) influences metabolic demand and training efficiency. Oxygen consumption (VO2) represents a central physiological marker linking exercise structure to energy expenditure, yet the effects of simultaneously engaging upper and lower body musculature remain underexplored.
Objective: To compare the acute physiological responses to simultaneous versus isolated execution of ST exercises, focusing on VO2.
Methodology: Ten recreationally trained men (25.0±3.97 years) participated in a randomized crossover design. Participants performed two protocols: simultaneous execution (SS) of incline dumbbell press and 45º leg press, and isolated execution (SI) of the same exercises in separate sets, both at 70% of one-repetition maximum. VO2 (absolute and relative), heart rate (HR), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were continuously measure. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to compared conditions.
Results: SS elicited significantly higher VO2 than SI (VO2A: 1.58±0.06 l.min-1 vs 1.23±0.06 l.min-1; VO2R: 20.91±0.42 ml.kg-1.min-1 vs 16.38±0.55 ml.kg-1.min-1; p<0.001), with very large effect sizes. HR. was also higher in SS (p<0.001), whereas RER was significantly higher in SI (p<0.001).
Discussion: The elevated VO₂ during SS likely reflects accelerated VO₂ on kinetics driven by greater concurrent muscle mass activation and reduced metabolic recovery periods, increasing systemic ATP turnover and cardiorespiratory demand. These findings highlight exercise configuration as a key modulator of physiological load beyond traditional variables such as intensity and volume.
Conclusions: Simultaneous upper and lower body ST execution enhances VO2 per unit of time and represents a time-efficient strategy to increase metabolic stress, with practical implications for optimizing ST prescription in health and performance settings.
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