The effects of adding deep water running to a land running training program on running performance compared to land training only in healthy collegiate men

The purpose of this study was to compare running performance variables in healthy males completing land running training only to variables in healthy males completing deep water running combined with land running training. College aged men between the ages of 18 and 30 years (n =17) who exercised at least 3 days/week, 30 minutes per day were randomly placed in either a combined deep water running/land training group (DWR) or a land training only group (RUN). The participants completed a pre-testing week that consisted of a VO2max test, a running economy test, a 3200 meter timed run, and body composition determination. Following six weeks of training, a post-testing week included the same tests and measurements as pre-testing. The DWR group performed training workouts both on land and in the deep end of a 25-yard swimming pool while the RUN group performed all training workouts on land. Factorial ANOVA tests (p≤0.05) revealed a significant increase in VO2max and decrease in 3200 meter time pre- to post-training within the DWR group. There were significant decreases in respiratory exchange ratio during trials 2 and 3 of the running economy test, and a decrease in heart rate pre- to post-training within the RUN group. There were no significant differences in body fat or running economy pre- to post-testing within each group.