The cardiovascular and metabolic stimulus derived from upper body cycling exercise is purportedly altered with different movement patterns. Asymmetrical single arm cycling (SA), double arm cycling (DA [both arms matched at identical points in the range of motion]) and split crank pattern (SP [180 degrees of separation between hands]) may require different muscle recruitment patterns, which could alter the intensity of specific muscles. This investigation used an arm crank exercise cycle with independent crank arms, a short (170 mm) crank arm length and a narrower crank axis, than most upper body exercise cycles. These cycle characteristics allow the aforementioned movement patterns. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the energy cost and hemodynamic response to arm cranking using three movement patterns at a fixed cadence of 80 rpm at a fixed resistance. METHODS: Familiarization trials were conducted to ensure compliance to the different movement patterns. One female and nine male subjects (age 26.2 ± 7.1 yr, body mass 92.4 ±15.7 kg and ht. 179.5 ± 6.7 cm.) were randomly assigned to perform steady state trials of SA, DA and SP using open circuit spirometry. Pilot testing revealed that smaller subjects (<70 kg) fail to achieve steady state at any cadence at the fixed resistance (∼40% of maximal resistance). RESULTS: ANOVA revealed no significant difference (p>.05) in any variable among all trials (i.e VO2 2.2, 2.6, and 2.4 L/min for SA, DA, and SP trials, respectively). CONCLUSION: Regardless of the arm movement pattern (SA, DA, or SP), a similar metabolic and hemodynamic response occurs at the same workload. The inclusion of a variety of movement patterns at the same resistance can provide a similar stimulus, yet keep the exercise experience novel. 2920 Board #67 May 30 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Improvements In Balance And Agility After High Intensity Water Exercise For Land-based Athletes John Whitehill, Jr, Nora L. Constantino, FACSM, Mary E. Sanders, FACSM, Mary E. Sanders, FACSM, Minggen Lu, Minggen Lu. University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV. (No relationships reported) The extent to which water training affects athletic performance on land is unclear. Agility and balance performance responses to water exercise are not well documented. PURPOSE: To determine effectiveness of water-based exercise on agility and balance performance by land-based competitive athletes during off-season training. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy, competitive athletes (23.7 + 6.5 years) were recruited to either a water exercise (WE, n= 14), or control (C, n=15) group. The WE group trained 9 weeks, a minimum of 3 days per week, 90 minutes a session. WE exercises included: cardiovascular resistance and stretching in shallow and deep water using running, jumping, cadence and interval sets; aquatic cycling; underwater running. The control group maintained land-based, off-season training and recorded activity. Agility and balance were measured at, baseline, midway and at the end of training. RESULTS: No injuries were reported for either group. For all measures the WE group significantly improved greater than the C group. Wilcoxon Rank Sums Test was used to test the difference between EX and C groups for compass clockwise, compass counter clockwise, hexagon clockwise, hexagon counter clockwise, sway and stability. CONCLUSION: This water exercise program conducted during off-season for a variety of competitive land-based athletes resulted in greater improvements in all measures for agility and balance when compared to controls. While both groups had improvements, the WE group improved significantly more than the C group. Water exercise appears to show promise as an effective training option for healthy competitive athletes who want to improve balance and agility.