title: Cardiorespiratory response to exercise on a large therapeutic roll.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Large therapeutic rolls (LTR) and balls are popular rehabilitation tools and have also been advertised as cardiovascular training devices. The aim of this study was to determine if individuals of varying fitness levels would reach aerobic training levels by evidence-based standards as described in American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) publications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen volunteers performed a maximal exercise test and on subsequent days, two submaximal exercise tests on the LTR (LTR-A and -B). LTR-A consisted of four 5-minute stages of exercise at progressive intensity levels. LTR-B included 20 minutes of continuous exercise. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) during exercise on the LTR were compared with ACSM recommended standards.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average (range) peak intensity achieved during LTR-A was 66.8% (51.7-82.7%) of maximal VO2 reserve (VO2R) and 82.9% (70.7%-91.2%) of maximal heart rate (HRmax). During LTR-B, HR and VO2 of all participants was maintained at moderate exercise intensity and averaged 56% of VO2R and 78% of HRmax during the 20 minute exercise period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that individuals with a wide range of aerobic fitness are able to reach and maintain aerobic training levels with appropriate exercise on a large therapeutic roll or ball.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gappmaier
authors.forename: Sima F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Tavazoie
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Jacketta
keywords: Swiss Ball; aerobic exercise; exercise intensity; large therapeutic roll