A Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing for Prescribing High-Intensity Interval Training Sessions with Elastic Resistance

This study aims to analyze the agreement of cardiopulmonary variables between a cardiopulmonary exercise test with elastic resistance (CPxEL) and high-intensity interval exercise with elastic resistance (EL-HIIE). Methods: Twenty-two physically independent participants were recruited. Visit one consisted of conducting a health survey and anthropometric assessment. On visit two, the participants performed CPxEL. After seven days, on visit three, the participants performed EL-HIIE. The CPxEL was carried out on a rubber mat demarcated by lines representing eight stages. The test consisted of alternating back and forth steps against elastic resistance. The increments were performed at a rate of one stage per minute, following a cadence controlled by a metronome calibrated by beats per minute (bpm). The EL-HIIE was performed at the stage corresponding to an intensity of ~85% VO 2max , as determined by CPxEL. The EL-HIIE consisted of 10 × 1 min (work):1 min (passive rest), with a cadence of 200 bpm. Cardiopulmonary parameters, heart rate (HR), and oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) were measured during exercise. Bland–Altman was applied to analyze the agreement between the HR and VO 2 found in EL-HIIE and the values prescribed by CPxEL (~85–90% VO 2max ). Results: The HRpeak and VO 2 peak in the EL-HIIE showed good agreement with the VO 2CPxEL and HR CPxEL values, showing an average difference of (−1.7 mL·kg −1 ·min −1 ) and (0.3 bpm). Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate the agreement of cardiopulmonary variables between the CPxEL and the EL-HIIE. Therefore, for a more specific prescription of EL-HIIE intensity, CPxEL can be used.