Effects of Synchronization between Cardiac and Locomotor Rhythms on Oxygen Pulse during Walking.

The oObjective of the study was to investigate whether the occurrence of cardiac-locomotor synchronization (CLS) affects oxygen pulse (O2 pulse, mL/beat) during walking. Twelve healthy men were studied under two treadmill protocols. The CLS protocol involved subjects walking at a frequency of their heart rate (HR) to induce CLS. The free protocol (reference) involved subjects walking at a self-selected cadence. The treadmill load was equal between the two protocols and was adjusted so that the subject's HR was maintained at approximately 120 bpm. Electrocardiographic signals, foot switch signals, and oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured continuously for 10 min after the heart rate reached a steady state. VO2, O2 pulse, and mean HR were calculated. VO2 and O2 pulse were significantly higher in subjects in the CLS protocol compared to those in the free protocol. However, mean HR was not different between the two groups. The synchronization strength was significantly related to the increase in O2 pulse in subjects in the CLS protocol compared with those in the free protocol. These results suggest that the occurrence of CLS enhances O2 pulse by increasing the strength of CLS during walking. Key PointsTwelve healthy men walked at a frequency of their heart rate (CLS protocol) and at a self-selected cadence (free protocol).Walking at the frequency of heart rate would induce the CLS by entrainment.Oxygen pulse was significantly higher in subjects in the CLS protocol compared to those in the free protocol.The occurrence of CLS enhances oxygen pulse by increasing the strength of CLS during walking.