INFLUENCE OF CONTROL OF INSPIRATORY-EXPIRATORY RATIO ON COORDINATION BETWEEN LOCOMOTOR AND RESPIRATORY RHYTHMS DURING WALKING

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of control of inspiratory-expiratory (I:E) ratio on coordination between locomotor and respiratory rhythms. Exercises of 10 healthy women were performed at the intensity corresponding to ventilatory threshold. Breathing rhythms were spontaneous breathing and two control breathings which I:E ratios were 1:1 and 1:2. The degree of coordination at I:E ratio of 1:1 was significantly higher than that of other breathing rhythms. Compared with spontaneous breathing, RPE was significantly lower at I:E ratio of 1:1 and significantly higher at I:E ratio of 1:2. V^^・E/V^^・O_2 at I:E ratio of 1:2 was significantly higher than that of I:E ratio of 1:1. The results suggest that control of breathing rhythm affect RPE, and control I:E ratio of 1:1 might be effective for coordination during walking at moderate intensity.