Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Dr. R.J. Shute

Degree Award Date

5-2024

Keywords

Exercise, Physiology, water, temperature, fatigue, submersion, VO2 max

Disciplines

Exercise Physiology | Laboratory and Basic Science Research

Abstract

THE EFFECTS OF WATER SUBMERSION ON SKELETAL MUSCLE ACTIVATION, FATIGUE, AND WHOLE-BODY GAS EXCHANGE

C.C. Griffin. Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA.

Email: Cgriffin@eagles.bridgewater.edu

Fatigue of skeletal muscle can be affected by multiple environmental elements. Fatigue threshold can be measured by VO2 max on a cycle ergometer combined with the use of a metabolic cart and Electromyography (EMG) measurements. PURPOSE: The purpose of this experiment is to determine if water submersion affects skeletal muscle activation, fatigue, and whole-body gas exchange. METHODS: Three participants were recruited to participate in a cold and no temperature trial. Participants arrived and baseline vitals and measurements were taken. EMG electrode placement was measured. If participants were participating in a cold trial, then they were directed to sit in the water bath for 20 minutes, in the no-temperature trial, body composition was measured. After water submersion, electrodes were placed on previously marked locations. Participants cycled at 60 rpm beginning at a resistance of .5 kg and every 3 minutes resistance was increased by .5 kg until participants could not continue. RESULTS: There was a significant interaction effect between VO2 (ml/kg/min) and resistance (kg) between cold and control. There were no significant findings when comparing cold versus VO2peak. The interaction effect comparing heart rate (BPM) and resistance (kg) between cold and the control was trending towards significance with a p=.056. Post-exercise temperature (℃) was significantly different between cold and control. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that there are significant differences between cold and no-temperature HR, temperature, and VO2.

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