Validation of Exercise Workloads on Two Lower Extremity Ergometers

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the accuracy of workloads during exercise at three levels on an Airdyne ergometer and a LifeFitness 9500 HR recumbent ergometer. METHODS: Each of the seven recruited subjects completed in randomized order, 5-minutes at 45, 60, and 75 watts on both ergometers. Data was collected with a Medical Graphics CPX Ultima metabolic analyzer. Oxygen uptake (VO sub(2)), ratings of perceived exertion, heart rate, caloric expenditure and respiratory exchange ratios were recorded during each stage. Average VO sub(2) obtained during the fifth minute of each workload on both ergometers was compared to the VO sub(2) predicted using the ACSM equation for leg ergometers (VO sub(2)= [[(10.8 x watts) / (wt. in kg)] + 7]). A t-test was used to determine if VO sub(2) was significantly different for subjects at each workload on both modalities. RESULTS: VO sub(2) was significantly different for all workloads on the Lifefitness and at 60 and 75 watts on the Airdyne compared to the ACSM leg ergometer equation. (ProQuest: ... denotes formulae and/or non-USASCII text omitted) VO2 in ml.kg- super(1).min- super(1) ** P