Comparison of the results and reproducibility of arm and leg exercise tests in men with angina pectoris

Abstract

The results and reproducibility of arm and leg exercise tests were compared in 11 men with angina pectoris induced by both forms of testing. Leg testing was performed using a bicycle ergometer; arm testing was performed using the same apparatus modified to permit arm cranking. Subjects performed 2 days of arm and 2 days of leg testing over a 2 week period. Four tests were performed on each test day. The duration of exercise, oxygen uptake, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and the rate-pressure product were determined at the onset of angina. Within day and between day coefficients of variation were low and similar for arm and leg tests, indicating that both forms of testing are highly reproducible. Performing four tests on a single day did little to reduce variability. Oxygen uptake increased between the first and second arm or leg test on a single day, but there was little change after the second test. Repetition of the arm and leg tests did not affect performance over the study period. It is concluded that the reproducibility of arm exercise testing in men with angina pectoris is comparable with that of leg exercise. Subjects with angina induced by arm exercise who cannot perform leg testing can be evaluated and followed up with arm exercise tests.