Analysis of respiratory and cardiovascular system dynamics of kettlebell lifters

Kettlebell sport appears to be a cyclical kind of sport, where high performance is based on the strength endurance, this physical ability is composed from strength and endurance, so one of the conditions for success in competitions are athlete‘s high aerobic and anaerobic capacity. It is therefore possible to win by another factor – their movement economy, ability to lift kettlebell at high speed with less oxygen consumption and heart rate.
Aim of this research is analysis of respiratory and cardiovascular system dynamics of kettlebell lifters in different training period. In study voluntarily participated, 20 kettlebell lifters, 11 of which were first sport class athletes and nine athletes were SMK (sports master's candidates), SM (sport masters). All the subjects involved in the experiment average age was 23 ± 1.2 years, mean height 181.4 ± 2 cm, mean weight 76.9 ± 3 kg. Respiratory and cardiovascular system capacity test was held in subsequent training periods: in the beginning of preparation period, at the end of competition period and after the transition period.

Kettlebell lifters executed complex load test with expiratory gas analysis. This method combines veloergometry and expiratory gas analysis techniques. Testing was executed on cardiopulmonary diagnostic device "MasterSreen CPX". Each kettlebell lifter gradually increased the load on veloergometer to starvation. Load intensity starting load phase was 50W, then it was increased by 10W each minute. Carrying out a load, cardiopulmonary diagnostic device "MasterSreen CPX‖ recorded: HR, heart rate and gas exchange parameters (the oxygen volume and exhaled carbon dioxide volume). Using the gas exchange rates, we determined AeT – aerobic threshold, AnT - anaerobic threshold, VO2 - oxygen consumption. In addition to the test was recorded the load capacity - W. To assess and compare kettlebell lifters respiratory and cardiovascular system capability, the main focus was put on the indicators that were achieved at the AeT-aerobic threshold, AnT – anaerobic threshold, and during peak load.

Results were processed, using t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances and Paired Two Sample for Means. The difference was considered reliable when p <0.05. During the complex load test with expiratory gas analysis were obtained the result, which fully confirms the athlete‘s skill levels. It can be concluded that given groups of athletes have different respiratory and cardiovascular system abilities at various load intensities. In aerobic and anaerobic threshold and at peak load capacity of SM/SMK‘s respiratory and cardiovascular system is better than of 1st sport class athletes.

During a similar load in kettlebell lifting the SM/SMK will be able to carry the motion with a much higher rate than 1st sport class athletes, thus reaching a larger number of repetitions. It is therefore possible to win by another factor – their movement economy, ability to lift kettlebell at high speed with less oxygen consumption. Capacity of respiratory and cardiovascular system abilities in kettlebell sport is very important for the SM/SMK; they have been approved in laboratory conditions and in real competition, achieving much better results than 1st sport class athletes. It is therefore possible to win by another factor - their movement economy, ability to lift kettlebell at high speed with less oxygen consumption

Keywords
Kettlebell sport, veloergometry with expiratory gas analysis, aerobic threshold, anaerobic threshold, peak load, oxygen consumption, heart rate.

M. Lescinskis, L. Cupriks, A. Lace, S. Rozenstoka