PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO RECUMBENT VS. UPRIGHT CYCLE ERGOMETRY IN NORMAL SUBJECTS 1068

Abstract

Few studies have offered conclusive physiological similarities and/or differences between recumbent (RE) and upright (UP) ergometers. Maximal and submaximal physiological responses [HR, SBP/DBP, RPE, VO2, VCO2, VE, RER, pre-/post-exercise blood lactate (BLA)] were obtained on 30 subjects [15 male (M; 24.3±0.6 yrs); 15 females (F; 23.4±0.7 yrs)] without cardiovascular, hypertensive, or pulmonary disease. Each subject performed a progressive exercise test on RE and UP ergometers. Repeated measures ANOVA were utilized to analyze maximal and submaximal responses. M subjects demonstrated significantly greater (p<.05) VO2max responses while riding UP; however F responses were similar between ergometers. Maximal responses between ergometers demonstrated significantly greater (p<.05) VCO2max RERmax and post-exercise BLA for RE; however Timemax for UP was significantly greater (p<.05). Submaximal HR, SBP, RPE, and VO2 responses were significantly different between ergometers. UP ergometry elicited significantly higher (p<.05) SBP responses than RE throughout all stages. Results indicate UP ergometry requires significantly greater (p<.05) ventilation (VE) in the first 2-3 stages for both male and female subjects; whereas female subjects had significantly higher (p<.05) VE in stage 5 during RE where females began to approach maximal exertion. Submaximal RER values were significantly higher (p<.05) for both M and F subjects during RE. Overall, this investigation revealed small but significant differences in physiological responses between ergometers. Of clinical significance may be the higher SBP responses during UP compared to RE cycling.