Effect of the E3 Fitness Grips on Running Economy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the E3 Fitness Grips (BioGrip, Inc., Rancho Cordova, CA) on running economy, as measured by oxygen uptake (VO2), and heart rate (HR) during submaximal treadmill running. Eleven subjects, seven female and four male, completed a submaximal running test on a treadmill while VO2 and HR were measured continuously. After achieving steady-state at a speed and grade that elicited a VO2 equivalent to 70% VO2max, the subjects ran for five minutes holding the E3 Fitness Grips (G) and five minutes without the grips (NG). The tests were counterbalanced so half of the subjects held the grips first and half completed the NG condition first. The difference in VO2 and HR between the G and NG conditions were compared to determine the effect on running economy. The mean VO2 (33.2±4.6 vs. 33.2±4.6 ml·kg-1·min-1, p=0.96) and mean HR (172.0±8.9 vs. 172.8±8.9 beats·min-1, p=0.38) were not significantly different between the G and NG conditions during submaximal running. These findings suggest that the E3 Fitness Grips do not significantly alter running economy, as measured by VO2, or HR during submaximal treadmill running.