The influence of a fast ramp rate on peak cardiopulmonary parameters during arm crank ergometry

Abstract

The influence of a very fast ramp rate on cardiopulmonary variables at ventilatory threshold and peak exercise during a maximal arm crank exercise test has not been extensively studied. Considering that short arm crank tests could be sufficient to achieve maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂), it would be of practical interest to explore this possibility. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the influence of a fast ramp rate (20 W min⁻¹) on the cardiopulmonary responses of healthy individuals during a maximal arm crank ergometry test. Seventeen healthy individuals performed maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests (Ultima CardiO2; Medical Graphics Corporation, St Louis, USA) in arm ergometer (Angio, LODE, Groningen, The Netherlands) following two protocols in random order: fast protocol (increment: 2 w/6 s) and slow protocol (increment: 1 w/6 s). The fast protocol was repeated 60-90 days after the 1st test to evaluate protocol reproducibility. Both protocols elicited the same peak VO₂ (fast: 23.51 ± 6.00 versus slow: 23.28 ± 7.77 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹; P = 0.12) but peak power load in the fast ramp protocol was higher than the one in the slow ramp protocol (119 ± 43 versus. 102 ± 39 W, P < 0.001). There was no other difference in ventilatory threshold and peak exercise variables when 1st and 2nd fast protocols were compared. Fast protocol seems to be useful when healthy young individuals perform arm cardiopulmonary exercise test. The usefulness of this protocol in other populations remains to be evaluated.