Author(s): GUDMUNDSSON, J.O., EINARSSON, I., Institution: REYKJAVIK UNIVERSITY, Country: ICELAND, Abstract-ID: 2168

INTRODUCTION:
The accessibility of variables describing physiological responses in recreational activities has increased with the use of smart technology. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between variables obtained by TymeWear Smart T-shirt with direct measurements of breathing frequency and volume in recreational cyclists and runners.
METHODS:
Graded exercise tests (GXT) to time of exhaustion were taken on 35 recreational runners (age 25 – 65) and 31 recreational cyclists (age 25 – 65). During this exercise, participants wore a TymeWear Smart T-Shirt measuring breathing frequency, breathing volume, and heart rate. Participants were also connected to a Cosmed K5 gas analyzing device for breath by breath measurements. Runners completed a GXT test on a treadmill starting at 5km/hr and increasing by 1km/hr every 3 minutes, and at a constant incline of 1%. Cyclists also completed a GXT test on an indoor bike with controlled resistance, starting at 75W and an increase of 25W every 3 minutes. Blood lactate was measured at the last 15 seconds at every intensity stage.
RESULTS:
A significant positive correlation was found with breathing frequency measurements (r=0.879) on a bicycle and (r=0.808) on a treadmill and a significant positive correlation with breathing volume on the bike (r=0.928) and treadmill (r=0.913) between the TymeWear technology and direct air exchange measurement. The breathing rate as a fraction of VO2max increased at a lower rate for cyclists than runners, even though breathing volume had no significant difference.
CONCLUSION:
Even though a significant positive correlation was found, both with breathing frequency and breathing volume for both runners and cyclists further research is needed to understand and develop LT1/VT1 establishment using calculations with indirect measurements. The results provided a positive outcome helping recreational runners and cyclists to establish their training thresholds without doing expensive and complicated measurements.