Maximal oxygen uptake and heart rate in various types of muscular activity

Abstract

Seven subjects performed maximal work of various types. The following exercises were studied: a) cycling a bicycle ergometer in a sitting and b) supine position, c) simultaneous arm and leg work on bicycle ergometers, d) running on a treadmill, e) skiing, f) swimming, and g) arm work (cranking). V_o2 was a few per cent higher in running uphill than in cycling (a), cranking plus cycling (c), and skiing, in which events similar values were attained. Heart rate was similar in those types of exercise mentioned (a, c, d, e). Supine cycling (b) gave a maximal V_o2 that was about 15% lower than in sitting cycling. A similar reduction in maximal V_o2 was noted in swimming. Maximal work with the arms (g) gave an oxygen uptake that was about 70% of maximal V_o2 when cycling (a). It is concluded that the aerobic capacity and maximal heart rate are the same in maximal running or cycling, at least in well-trained subjects. Submitted on June 23, 1961