Aerobic Conditioning in Two Simulated Reduced-Gravity Environments Compared to Terrestrial Treadmill Training
Michael A. Figueroa, Ed.D., CSCS; Peter Di Stephano; Chris Poole; Toni La Sala, Ph.D; Racine Emmons-Hindelong, Ed.D; James Manning, Ph.D

Abstract
This purpose of this study was to investigate an 8-week aerobic conditioning program under three different conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups; a land-based treadmill (TM), antigravity treadmill (AG) or deep water running (DWR). Each group trained at vigorous intensity (70-85% of the heart rate reserve) for 30 minutes, 3 times per week non-consecutive days. A one-way ANOVA was used to determine between group differences and a dependent t-test was used to determine within group differences. No significant differences were found between groups after 8-weeks of training. Within groups, however, a significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the AG group with a decrease in weight, body mass index and body fat percentage. The DWR group was also found to have a significant (p<0.05) difference in aerobic capacity with an increase in V̇ O2peak.

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