Physiological characterization of a simulated kettlebell routine in experienced kettlebell athletes

Kettlebell as a sport has gained recognition worldwide. We characterized the physiological responses induced by a simulated kettlebell competition routine in experienced kettlebell athletes (n = 26) in a two-group, pre-post plus short-term follow-up, non-randomized experiment. The experimental group (EXP) included 13 kettlebell athletes, while the control group (CON) consisted of 13 individuals with prior recreational exposure to kettlebell activities. EXP performed a 10-minute-long, long-cycle kettlebell routine, whereas CON engaged in seated rest. Cardiovascular and neuromuscular outcomes were measured at rest, after warm-up, during exercise, at 0 (immediately post), 5 and 15 min into recovery. Group-by-time interactions revealed that the 10-minute-long, long-cycle kettlebell routine increased (P < 0.05) the levels of all outcomes (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, blood lactate) (range of effect sizes: -0.9-8.9) with many outcomes remaining well above baseline at 5 and 15 min into recovery. A notable exception was a lack of change in maximal squat strength. Kettlebell experience and mass correlated with changes in oxygen uptake (ΔVO2) and in ventilation (ΔVT) (r = -0.70, 0.64, -0.87, and 0.73, respectively, P < 0.05) in EXP. Kettlebell routine evoked significant changes in all physiological variables (respiratory and cardiovascular), out of which the heart rate (HR), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), rate pressure product (RPP), and blood lactate (BL) outlasted the routine for at least 15 min. Future studies should longitudinally examine physiological responses to kettlebell training throughout a season. Long-cycle kettlebell routine adds to the repertoire of evidence-based exercise options for high-intensity exercise.