Relative Exercise Intensity and Energy Expenditure of Battle Rope Exercise

Introduction: Battle rope (BR) training has become increasingly popular in recent years. Very few studies have evaluated the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses to BR exercise. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relative exercise intensity and energy expenditure of a battle rope (BR) interval workout. Methods: Fourteen male volunteers (aged 19.6 ± 1.86 yrs) served as subjects in this study. Each subject performed a graded exercise test on a treadmill and completed a 14-minute BR workout. The exercise included in the BR workout were alternating arm waves, double arm waves, double arm power slams, in and out waves, snakes waves, inward arm circles, and outward arm circles. Each exercise was performed for 15 seconds with a 45-second rest period between exercises. HR, VO2, and RPE were monitored throughout the BR workout. Results: The average HR response was 148 ± 14.9 bpm, which corresponded to 79 ± 8.4% of HRmax. The average VO2 response was 26.9 ± 5.27 ml/kg/min, which corresponded to 51 ± 9.5% of VO2max. The average RPE response was 14.2 ± 1.88. However, RPE rose steadily throughout the workout, reaching a peak of 16.3 ± 2.01. The average energy expenditure was 140.9 ± 24.62 total kcals (10.1 ± 1.53 kcals/min). Conclusions: The BR interval workout performed in the current study would be classified as vigorous intensity exercise and meets ACSM guidelines for improving cardiorespiratory endurance and body composition.