Abstract
Maximal aerobic power (VO2max)is considered the best measure of cardiorespiratory (CR) endurance. VO is modality dependent, thus, exercise testing should be specific to the exercise training modality. Elliptical trainers are a commonly used CR training modality but validation of maximal exercise test protocols are inadequate. PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity of an elliptical trainer (ET) test protocol for measurement of VO2max compared with a treadmill (TM) maximal exercise test. METHODS: Fourteen physically active, college-aged (20.1±1.4 yr) volunteers (7 male and 7 female) completed graded maximal exercise testing to volitional failure on the ET and the TM. For both tests, metabolic data were determined and averaged at 15 sec intervals by indirect calorimetry while heart rate (HR) was recorded using a Polar heart rate monitor. Oxygen consumption (VO2), HR, minute ventilation (Ve), and respiratory quotient were recorded throughout the test and RPE was assessed at peak exercise. Statistical analysis was performed using t tests with significance set at .05 level. RESULTS: VO2max and HRmax values were significantly higher for the TM max test compared to ET max test (52.5±8.1 vs 47.8±5.0 ml/kg/min and 198.9±10.4vs 190.7±1.8 bpm, TM vs ET, respectively). Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) at max exercise was significantly greater for the ET than for the TM (1.14±0.04 vs 1.07±0.04). No significant differences were found between Ve and RPE for TM and ET (79.4±15.4 vs 77.5±13.7 L/min and 19.1 ±1.1 vs 19.1±0.7). Gender specific analyses were also performed. For females, only HRmax was significantly greater for the TMvs theET (197.9±6.3 vs 189.0±5.0 bpm). For males, VO2max and HRmax were significantly greater for the TM (56.4±7.0 vs 50.3±4.5 ml/kg/min and 200.0±13.0 vs 192.4±8.1 bpm). RERmax was significantly greater for the ET than the TM (1.08±0.05 vs 1.15±0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it is concluded that maximal exercise tests on the ET and the TM do not yield similar physiological results in active, college-aged individuals. Supporting the work of Wallace et al. (2004), modality specific testing is recommended for prescribing exercise in individuals choosing ET exercise training.
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