The effect of carrying a portable respiratory gas analysis system on energy expenditure during incremental running

This study aimed to assess the effect of portable gas analysis system carriage on energy expenditure (EE) during incremental treadmill running. Eight males (Mean ± SD) age 25.0 ± 9.47 y, body mass 78.5 ± 8.39 kg, completed an experimental trial (PT) during which they wore the system in a chest harness and a control trial (CT) when the system was externally supported. Each protocol consisted of 4 min stages at speeds of 0, 4, 7, 10, 12, 14 km h−1. Increments continued until volitional exhaustion. The EE was greater (3.95 and 7.02% at 7 and 14 km h−1 respectively) during PT (p < 0.05) but no significant differences were observed during standing, walking or VO2max. (4.10 ± 0.53, and 4.28 ± 0.75 l min−1 for CT and PT respectively), HR or RPE. Portable gas analysis systems therefore only increase EE when running sub-maximally, but VO2max is unaffected, suggesting that using portable gas analysis systems in field-based situations is appropriate for maximal aerobic capacity measurement, but the effects of prolonged use on EE remains unclear.

► Portable gas analysers are used to determine the respiratory responses to exercise in a variety of settings.
► Until now the additional cost of their carriage during incremental running has not been determined.
► The energy cost of submaximal treadmill running is increased as a result of portable respiratory gas analyser carriage.
► Whilst submaximal energy costs are increased, carriage of this type of gas analyser does not alter VO2max.