Comparison study of treadmill versus arm ergometry

• Published in: Clinical physiology and functional imaging 2011-07, Vol.31 (4), p.326-331
• Main Authors: Schrieks, Ilse C., Barnes, Matthew J., Hodges, Lynette D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Arm - physiology; arm crank ergometry; Biological and medical sciences; Bruce treadmill test; cardiovascular fitness; comparison study and upper body ergometry; Eccentrics; Estimates; Exercise Test - classification; Exercise Test - methods; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Leg - physiology; Male; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Men; Oxygen Consumption - physiology; Physical Exertion - physiology; Regression; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Task Performance and Analysis; Treadmills; Uptakes; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
• ISSN: 1475-0961; 1475-097X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-097X.2011.01014.x

Summary The Bruce treadmill test is used worldwide to assess cardiovascular disease. However, because of the high increments of intensity between the stages of this test, it is not best suited to a number of populations. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the difference between physiological outcomes of the arm crank test and Bruce treadmill test and to provide a regression equation to account for this. Thirty subjects (16 men and 14 women) performed both an arm crank test and the Bruce treadmill test, on two separate days, in a random order. Peak values of oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), ventilation rate (VE), heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Arm crank VO2peak and peak VE were significantly lower compared with treadmill VO2peak and peak VE, in both men and women (P