title: Effects of Kettlebell Training on Aerobic Capacity.
abstract: This study examined the effects of a kettlebell training program on aerobic capacity. Seventeen female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate soccer players (age: 19.7 ± 1.0 years, height: 166.1 ± 6.4 cm, weight: 64.2 ± 8.2 kg) completed a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max). Participants were assigned to a kettlebell intervention group (KB) (n = 9) or a circuit weight-training (CWT) control group (n = 8). Participants in the KB group completed a kettlebell snatch test to determine individual snatch repetitions. Both groups trained 3 days a week for 4 weeks in addition to their off-season strength and conditioning program. The KB group performed the 15:15 MVO2 protocol (20 minutes of kettlebell snatching with 15 seconds of work and rest intervals). The CWT group performed multiple free-weight and dynamic body-weight exercises as part of a continuous circuit program for 20 minutes. The 15:15 MVO2 protocol significantly increased V̇O2max in the KB group. The average increase was 2.3 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, or approximately a 6% gain. There was no significant change in V̇O2max in the CWT control group. Thus, the 4-week 15:15 MVO2 kettlebell protocol, using high-intensity kettlebell snatches, significantly improved aerobic capacity in female intercollegiate soccer players and could be used as an alternative mode to maintain or improve cardiovascular conditioning.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Kinesiology, San José State University, San José, California; 2Intercollegiate Athletics, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California; and 3Department of Athletics, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho.
authors.forename: J Asher
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Falatic
authors.forename: Peggy A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Plato
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Holder
authors.forename: Daryl
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Finch
authors.forename: Kyungmo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Craig J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cisar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult