Comparison between HR vs. V_O₂ relationship obtained by an incremental test in laboratory and on field in elite Badminton players

Aim: Badminton is characterised by high-intensity movements with short recovery intervals. Monitoring the metabolic profile during a match could provide interesting information for training purposes. The heart rate (HR) vs. pulmonary oxygen uptake (V_O2) relationship (HR vs. V_O2) determined in the laboratory is generally utilized to estimate metabolic demands from HR also on the field. However, whether this relationship changes during badminton is still unknown. The study aimed at assessing the validity of HR vs. V_O2 relationship obtained in the laboratory compared to that obtained on field while simulating badminton activities at different intensities. Methods: Eight e´lite badminton players (age: 16.8 ± 2.0 years; body mass: 63.3 ± 8.4 kg; stature: 172 ± 9 cm; mean ± standard deviation, SD) volunteered to the study. Participants performed a discontinuous incremental test on a treadmill for maximum aerobic power assessment (V_O2max), during which metabolic data and HR were collected. On a different day, the HR vs. V_O2 relationship was evaluated during three 5-min badminton exercises at different intensities (LOW, MODERATE and HIGH) and compared with the values obtained in the laboratory during incremental test.