MAXIMAL AND SUBMAXIMAL EXERCISE RESPONSES DURING CYCLE AND TREADMILL TESTING IN 5-6 YEAR OLD CHILDREN

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine maximal (M) and submaximal (SM) responses in 48 (24 girls and 24 boys) 5–6 year children during exercise testing on the treadmill (TM) and electronically braked cycle ergometer (CE). Progressive, all-out, continuous TM and CE protocols were used according to standard procedures and criteria. After an orientation period, the children were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group I: 24 children (12 boys and 12 girls) were assigned to CE test first; Group II: 24 children (12 boys and 12 girls) were assigned to the TM test first. The participants completed the alternative maximal test during the final testing session. The average of minutes 3 and 4 constituted submaximal values. A 2 X 2 ANOVA test (gender by exercise mode) with Bonferroni adjustment revealed the following differences for M and SM values: 1) Children produced a significantly higher relative VO2 max (9%) and a higher absolute VO2max (10%) on the TM than the CE (P < 0.001); 2) Children produced a higher HR on the TM than on the CE (P < 0.001); 3) The CE generated significantly higher values for RER (P < 0.001) and 4) No gender differences were found for any of the maximal or submaximal values in this age group. These data indicate that responses of young children on either mode are similar to the results published on adults, and that the TM or CE may be used effectively to conduct exercise tests in this age group.