Underwater walking intensity is modified by a new and untested device that increased the lower limb surface of movement

Background: This study aimed to compare exercise intensity through measuring oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived effort (RPE) during an underwater walking at a standardized gait velocity (step × min-1) when wearing swimsuit (SS) or aquatic pants (AP) that increased the drag force Methods: 20 young healthy participants (11 M, 9 F) were recruited; each participant was asked to perform two trials in a random order, one with SS, and the other with AP. Each trial consisted in a 20-minute walk on an underwater non-motorized treadmill at 60, 70, 80, and 90 step × min-1. Results: The total number of steps during the two trials and the walked distance was the same when wearing SS or AP at all rhythms. VO2, HR, and RPE were significantly higher with the use of AP at all gait velocities (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Owing to the larger drag force, AP can be considered as an effective device to increase exercise intensity since the cardiorespiratory response was greater when wearing AP rather than SS.