Metabolic demands of "junkyard" training: pushing and pulling a motor vehicle.
Junkyard training involves heavy, cumbersome implements and nontraditional movement patterns for unique training of athletes. This study assessed the metabolic demands of pushing and pulling a 1,960-kg motor vehicle (MV) 400 m in an all-out maximal effort. Six male, strength-trained athletes (29 +/- 5 years; 89 +/- 12 kg) completed 3 sessions. Sessions 1 and 2 were randomly assigned and entailed either pushing or pulling the MV. Oxygen consumption (VO(2)) and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously. Blood lactate was sampled immediately prior to and 5 minutes after sessions 1 and 2. Vertical jump was assessed immediately prior to and after sessions 1 and 2. During session 3 a treadmill VO(2)max test was conducted. No significant differences (p < 0.05) in VO(2), HR, or blood lactate occurred between pushing and pulling efforts. VO(2) and HR peaked in the first 100 m, and from 100 m on, VO(2) and HR averaged 65% and 96% of treadmill maximum values (VO(2)max = 50.3 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); HRmax = 194 b x min(-1)). Blood lactate response from the push and pull averaged 15.6 mmol.L(-1), representing 131% of the maximal treadmill running value. Vertical jump decreased significantly pre to post in both conditions (mean = -10.1 cm, 17%). All subjects experienced dizziness and nausea. In conclusion, a 400-m MV push or pull is an exhausting training technique that requires a very high anaerobic energy output and should be considered an advanced form of training. Strength coaches must be aware of the ultra-high metabolic and neuromuscular stresses that can be imposed by this type of training and take these factors into consideration when plotting individualized training and recovery strategies.
Department of Physical Educaiton, Recreation and Dance, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA.
Joseph M
JM
Berning
Kent J
KJ
Adams
Mike
M
Climstein
Bryant A
BA
Stamford
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*
D007773:Lactates