The Cardiorespiratory Responses and Energy Expenditure of Windsurfers during Cycle Ergometer and Windsurfing Simulator Exercise Tests

The aim of the study was a comparative assessment of cardio-respiratory responses and energy expenditures in Polish windsurfers (male) during cycloergometer and windsurfing simulator exercise tests with progressive load till exhaustion. For reproduction of resistance during sail movements on the windsurfing simulator (own design) the rowing ergometer was used, the rope of which was fastened to the middle part of the bom. VO2, VCO2 at critical and at heart rate of 170 bpm were measured by a portable metabolimeter COSMED (K4 B-2). Energy expenditures were calculated too. The results show lower peak of power, maximal oxygen uptake and a greater “oxygen deficit” during the windsurfing simulator exercise in comparison to the cycloergometer test. The results confirm a notion about windsurfing as a high-energy expenditure sport, which show high aerobic demands. The results of the study permit to reveal correspondence of the data received during windsurfing simulator and cycle ergometer exercise tests and to make respective corrections in their interpretation for objective estimation of windsurfer’s functional performance.