Evaluation of the Physiological Responses and Energy Expenditure Induced by Suspension Training Exercises

Abstract

Chatzikamagianni, E, Poulios, A, Avloniti, A, Rosvoglou, A, Liakou, C, Papanikolaou, K, Stampoulis, T, Tsimeas, P, Batrakoulis, A, Chatzinikolaou, A, Draganidis, D, Jamurtas, AZ, and Fatouros, IG. Evaluation of the physiological responses and energy expenditure induced by suspension training exercises. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-This study determined the energy expenditure and physiological responses of 6 beneficial suspension training (ST) exercises (overheads [OS], single-leg squat [SLS], torso rotations [TR], back row [BR], chest press [CP], and plank). Ten healthy young adults randomly completed both of 2 trials of ST exercises, for 30 (T30) or 45 (T45) seconds. The training load was monitored using a mobile gas analyzer, heart rate monitors, and blood lactate measurements. The total energy expenditure (TEE) (classified as the sum of oxidative [OES], glycolytic [GC], and excess postexercise energy cost [EPOC]) was estimated using the V̇o2 consumption (at rest, during exercise, and postexercise) and blood lactate (La) concentration (at rest and postexercise). The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. All exercises were associated with a low-to-moderate physiological strain (rate of perceived exertion: 7.3-12.3; % of maximal heart rate: 52.3-61.7%; METs: 2.6-3.7; La: 2.2-3.9 mM; EPOC duration: 5.7-7.8 minutes), with the OS and the SLS associated with the greatest physiological/metabolic load in both trials. T45 induced a greater heart rate (53.7-61.7 %HRmax), with SLS and OS inducing the highest values. Minimal differences were noted between T30 and T45 for TEE, MET, and La values for most. EPOC had a greater contribution to TEE compared with OES and GC. Low-to moderate physiological effort during ST results in a TEE of 16.6-24.7 and 20.1-30 kcal·min-1 when performed for 30 and 45 seconds, respectively. There is a variation in TEE and physiological overload among ST exercises. Weight management exercise programs and dietary regimens need to take these finding into account.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05221177.

Keywords: blood lactate concentration; caloric expenditure; excess postexercise consumption; metabolic activity; oxidative energy.