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PubMed2004

Evaluation of physiological standard pressures of the forearm flexor muscles during sport specific ergometry in sport climbers.

BACKGROUND: Chronic exertional compartment syndromes (CECS) are well known in sports medicine. Most commonly affected is the tibialis anterior muscle compartment in runners and walkers. Only a few cases of CECS of the forearm flexor muscles have been reported. OBJECTIVES: To determine pressure levels inside the deep flexor compartment of the forearms during a sport specific stress test. METHOD: Ten healthy, high level climbers were enrolled in a prospective study. All underwent climbing specific ergometry, using a rotating climbing wall (step test, total climbing time 9-15 minutes). Pressure was measured using a slit catheter placed in the deep flexor compartment of the forearm. Pressure, blood lactate, and heart rate were recorded every three minutes and during recovery. RESULTS: In all the subjects, physical exhaustion of the forearms defined the end point of the climbing ergometry. Blood lactate increased with physical stress, reaching a mean of 3.48 mmol/l. Compartment pressure was related to physical stress, exceeding 30 mm Hg in only three subjects. A critical pressure of more than 40 mm Hg was never observed. After the test, the pressure decreased to normal levels within three minutes in seven subjects. The three with higher pressure levels (>30 mm Hg) required a longer time to recover. CONCLUSIONS: For further clinical and therapeutic consequences, an algorithm was derived. Basic pressure below 15 mm Hg and stress pressure below 30 mm Hg as well as pressures during the 15 minute recovery period below 15 mm Hg are physiological. Pressures of 15-30 mm Hg during recovery suggest high risk of CECS, and pressures above 30 mm Hg confirm CECS.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Prediction of metabolic and cardiopulmonary responses to maximum cycle ergometry: a randomised study.

All of the most widely-cited studies for the prediction of maximum exercise responses have utilized either volunteers or referred subjects. Therefore, selection bias, with overestimation of the reference values, is a likely consequence. In order to establish a set of predictive equations for the gas exchange, ventilatory and cardiovascular responses to maximum ramp-incremental cycle ergometry, this study prospectively evaluated 120 sedentary individuals (60 males, 60 females, aged 20-80), randomly-selected from >8,000 subjects. Regular physical activity pattern by questionnaire, body composition by anthropometry and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (n = 75) and knee strength by isokinetic dynamometry were also assessed. Previously reported equations typically overestimated the subjects' peak oxygen uptake (p<0.05). Prediction linear equations for the main variables of clinical interest were established by backward stepwise regression analysis including: sex, age, knee extensor peak torque, bone-free lean leg mass, total and lean body mass, height, and physical activity scores. Reference intervals (95% confidence limits) were calculated: some of these values differed markedly from those formerly recommended. The results therefore might provide a more appropriate frame of reference for interpretation of the responses to symptom-limited ramp incremental cycle ergometry in sedentary subjects; i.e. those usually referred for clinical cardiopulmonary exercise tests.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Heritability of cortisol responses to human corticotropin-releasing hormone, ergometry, and psychological stress in humans.

The present study investigated cortisol responses to three different stimulation procedures, with a focus on the contribution of genetic factors. Thirteen monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs and 11 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs performed bicycle ergometry until exhaustion and were exposed to the psychological stress of public speaking and mental arithmetic in front of an audience. Furthermore, 9 MZ pairs and 10 DZ pairs were injected with 100 micrograms synthetic human CRH (hCRH). The adrenocortical response to these challenges was monitored by determination of cortisol in saliva. Significant intraindividual stability of baseline cortisol levels was found in females, but was less in males. Maximum cortisol responses to all three stimulation procedures were significantly intercorrelated in males, but in females only the cortisol responses to hCRH and ergometer exercise showed a significant correlation. While a decided influence of genetic factors was observed for all three baseline cortisol levels as well as for the response to hCRH, heredity appeared to be play a minor role in the adrenocortical response to psychological stress. Cortisol changes after bicycle ergometry revealed no impact of genetic factors on the secretion of cortisol in response to strenuous physical exercise.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Children's and adolescents' anaerobic performance during cycle ergometry.

Cycle ergometry studies originated in the early 1900s but it was not until the early 1970s that the first studies of children and anaerobic performance were established. Since that time, research into the anaerobic performance of children and adolescents has proliferated, mainly due to attempts by investigators to overcome methodological problems. Besides the increase in studies using the most popular anaerobic test, the friction-braked Wingate, other tests such as the force-velocity and isokinetic cycle ergometers are becoming more common. No matter how the data are standardised, there is unequivocal agreement that children's and adolescents' anaerobic power scores are lower than those of adults. Qualitative muscular differences are often cited for this disparity rather than differences in the quantity of muscle, but conclusive research is lacking in this area. Despite the ethical considerations involved in studies with children, cycle ergometry has aided researchers to assess external short term power output, mean power and fatigue.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Early application of negative work via eccentric ergometry following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To present a progressively increasing negative-work exercise program via eccentric ergometry early after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) and to suggest the potential of negative work to amplify the return of quadriceps size and strength. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 26-year-old highly active recreational athlete who sustained an ACL tear while skiing in January 2004 and then again while skiing in February 2005. This individual underwent an arthroscopically assisted ACL-R with a double-loop semitendinosusgracilis autograft initially, then a patellar tendon autograft following his ACL graft rupture. Beginning within 3 weeks after surgery, a progressive negative-work exercise program was initiated using an eccentric ergometer. The patient completed 31 training sessions of 5 to 30 minutes in duration over a 12-week period following the ACL-R and 33 training sessions of the same frequency and duration following the ACL revision. OUTCOMES: Following ACL-R, quadriceps volume increased 28% (involved lower extremity) and 14% (uninvolved lower extremity) during the 12-week training program. Following revision, quadriceps volume returned to similar levels at the same postoperative period as those achieved after the initial surgery (2% less on the involved side and 2% greater on the uninvolved side). Quadriceps strength, 15 weeks after ACL-R, exceeded preoperative measures by an average of 20% (involved) and 14% (uninvolved). Quadriceps strength after ACL revision exceeded all previous measures. DISCUSSION: This case report suggests that if gradually and progressively applied, negative work via eccentric ergometry can be both safe and efficacious early after ACL-R. Eccentric exercise may mitigate the prevalent muscle size and strength deficits commonly observed after ACL-R. The results of this case suggest a need for continued research with early negative work interventions following ACL-R.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Internal work and physiological responses during concentric and eccentric cycle ergometry.

Internal mechanical work during cycling, required to raise and lower the legs and change their velocities, is shown to be an important factor when interpreting physiological responses to cycle ergometer exercise. The internal work required to move the legs during concentric and eccentric cycle ergometry at different speeds and workloads was calculated from segmental energy changes determined using cinematography and directly using an eccentric ergometer. The mean internal work rates obtained at pedal frequencies of 30, 60 and 90 min-1 were 11.5, 20 and 62 W respectively. When these estimates were added to the external work rates, they increased concentric and decreased eccentric work rates. The largest differences were seen at low work rates and high pedal frequencies during which concentric work rates increased by 51% and eccentric decreased 60% by the inclusion of internal work. When comparisons of concentric and eccentric cycling at equal uncorrected work rates were made, neglecting to include internal work introduced errors ranging from 12 to 97%. The calculated estimates of internal work agreed well with the power supplied by the eccentric ergometer to move the legs passively. The investigations show that the inclusion of internal work is important when comparing physiological responses during concentric and eccentric ergometry, especially when pedal frequencies exceed 60 min-1 and when work rates are small.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Validation of an equation for predicting energy cost of arm ergometry in women.

Few studies have examined the validity of metabolic equations for the prediction of energy cost (VO(2)) of arm ergometry in women. Therefore, the purpose of this study was (a) to compare directly measured and predicted VO(2) values using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) equation and (b) to develop and validate a prediction equation for women. A sample of 60 female subjects with mean (+/-SD) age, weight and height 26.5 +/- 14.4 years, 61.5 +/- 7.6 kg, 163.3 +/- 6.0 cm, respectively, was randomly assigned to an equation group (N = 40) and a cross validation group (N = 20). All subjects performed an incremental arm ergometry test (10 W increases every 2 min), until termination criteria were met. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant differences between the measured VO(2) and ACSM predicted VO(2) during all the incremental test work rate. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop the following upper body exercise VO(2) prediction equation: VO(2)(ml . kg(-1) . min(-1) = 23.461 - (0.272 x Body Weight) + (0.403 x watts) [R(2) = 0.82, SEE = 2.79] Cross validation indicated lower variability using the current prediction equation. An additional independent sample of 13 subjects performed a 30-min steady-state test at 40% of their pre-determined maximal work rate. VO(2) measured during the 30 min steady-state test (was significantly different P < 0.05) from the ACSM prediction at all time intervals. There were no significant differences using the above equation following the 5 min time interval. Therefore, a new equation is proposed as a means of providing a gender-specific energy cost prediction equation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Physiologic responses to recumbent versus upright cycle ergometry, and implications for exercise prescription in patients with coronary artery disease.

To clarify the influence of body position on exercise prescription, 14 men (mean age +/- standard deviation 60.0 +/- 6.1 years) with coronary artery disease who underwent randomized recumbent and upright cycle ergometer tests to volitional fatigue were studied. At 100 watts, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure, oxygen consumption (VO2), rate pressure product and rating of perceived exertion were greater (p less than 0.05) in the upright than in the recumbent position. At peak exercise, however, these variables were not significantly different. Regressions of relative HR versus VO2 for recumbent and upright cycle ergometry were comparable: y = 1.24x - 32.7 and y = 1.26x - 31.5, respectively, where y = % maximal VO2, and x = % maximal HR. These findings indicate that recumbent exercise prescriptions may be based on the peak HR and VO2 values obtained during upright cycle ergometry, and vice versa. However, differences in the cardiorespiratory responses at submaximal exercise preclude the interchangeability of upright and recumbent training work rates.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Doppler echocardiographic assessment of the pressure gradient during bicycle ergometry in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

To assess the behavior of the subvalvular pressure gradient under physical exercise, 13 patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were examined during upright bicycle ergometry by means of Doppler echocardiography. Additionally, right-sided cardiac catheterization was performed within 7 days. In 10 patients adequate Doppler tracings could be obtained during exercise. The Doppler-derived systolic pressure gradient increased from 75 +/- 24 to 140 +/- 42 mm Hg (p less than 0.0005). This was associated with an increase in the duration of the systolic mitral-septal contact from 59 +/- 21 to 136 +/- 28 ms (p less than 0.0005). Correlation between the pressure gradient and the duration of mitral-septal contact at rest and during exercise was good (r = 0.86), whereas correlation between the resting and exercise pressure gradient (r = 0.34) did not reach statistical significance. The increase in stroke volume during exercise, from 90 +/- 18 to 95 +/- 24 ml, was significant (p less than 0.05) but minimal. Therefore, only a moderate increase in systolic flow, from 205 +/- 54 to 268 +/- 78 ml/s (p less than 0.0005), was observed. Outflow tract resistance, defined as the ratio of the pressure gradient to systolic flow, increased from 0.38 +/- 0.11 to 0.57 +/- 0.24 mm Hg.s/ml (p less than 0.01). Thus, in a selected group of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy a substantial increase in the maximal pressure gradient during upright bicycle ergometry was demonstrated in most patients. Exercise Doppler echocardiography may be valuable to assess the hemodynamic significance of obstruction in individual patients in a physiologic setting and has a potential to monitor the effect of therapeutic interventions.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Evaluation of a training program for persons with SCI paraplegia using the Parastep 1 ambulation system: part 2. Effects on physiological responses to peak arm ergometry.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the task-nonspecific effects of functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS)-assisted ambulation training on the physiological responses of persons with paraplegia to upper extremity exercise challenge. DESIGN: Before-after trial. SETTING: Human spinal cord injury (SCI) applied research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve men and three women with motor- and sensory-complete thoracic-level SCI (T4-T11), mean age 28.2 +/- 6.8yrs (range, 21.1 to 45.2yrs), mean injury duration 3.7 +/- 3.0yrs (range, 7 to 8.8yrs). INTERVENTION: Thirty-two sessions of FNS ambulation training using a commercial six-channel system (Parastep 1). This system is composed of a microprocessor-controlled electrical stimulation unit and a walking frame outfitted with finger switches that allow the user to independently control the system and stimulation parameters. OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak and subpeak physiological responses to arm ergometry testing and upper extremity strength measures, obtained before and after the FNS ambulation training. RESULTS: Statistically significant increases in peak values for time to fatigue, peak power output, and peak VO2 (all p < .001). Heart rate was significantly lower throughout subpeak levels of arm ergometry after the ambulation training (p < .05). Values of upper extremity strength were not significantly altered after training. CONCLUSIONS: FNS ambulation by persons with SCI paraplegia results in task-nonspecific training adaptations. Central cardiovascular adaptations were indicated as the primary source of these beneficial alterations in exercise responses.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Improved pulmonary function in chronic quadriplegics after pulmonary therapy and arm ergometry.

Quadriplegics suffer from restrictive lung disease due to neural damage, spasticity, and prolonged immobilisation. These studies were undertaken to see whether respiratory therapy can improve expiratory capacity in quadriplegics. Fifteen patients with chronic quadriplegia participated in a programme of pulmonary therapy and resistance exercise for 7 to 12 weeks. Pulmonary therapy consisted of incentive spirometry for 15 minutes a day 3 to 5 days per week. Resistance exercise consisted of pedalling an arm ergometer up to 30 minutes three times a week. Forced vital capacity was measured with the subject in a wheelchair wearing a nose clip. The volume of expired air (max Ve) was as determined with a paramagnetic analyser during arm ergometry. The volume of expired air was divided by the number of breaths, giving the volume of expired air per breath (Ve). The results indicated that a combination of incentive spirometry and arm ergometry improves vital capacity and increased the maximum volume of expired air during exercise. These methods are non-invasive, and such modalities should constitute part of the rehabilitation of patients with neuromuscular disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Determining anaerobic capacity using treadmill ergometry.

The determination of anaerobic capacity (AC) using treadmill ergometry is problematic from a methodological, as well as a technical standpoint. In this study, a procedure from Monod and Scherrer was modified to examine whether realistic magnitudes of AC could be determined using three subject groups with different levels of anaerobic training. The subject groups consisted of 10 untrained (UT), 10 aerobic-trained runners (AeT), and 10 anaerobic-trained 400-meter sprinters (AnT). In two separate test series, first the VO2max was determined and second the so-called individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) was used to determine the aerobic power for all subjects. Then all subjects completed a series of sprints with increasing speeds above the VO2max, from which the work output from each test was calculated. Through linear regression, the point of intersection of the regression line with the y-axis was defined as global AC. The results show typically higher VO2max and IAT for AeT (62.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), 14.7 km x h(-1)) compared to UT (53.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); 11.2 km x h(-1)) and AnT (56.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); 11.8 km x h(-1)). AC was significantly higher in AnT (4.1 +/- 0.58 kJ) compared to AeT (1.8 +/- 0.65 kJ) and UT (3.2 +/- 0.68 kJ). The determined absolute values of AC are considerably lower than of comparable examinations using bicycle ergometry. One reason for such an underestimation of AC could be that the horizontal work done during exercise on a treadmill was not taken into enough consideration. Another explanation is that the magnitude of the calculated AC values shows a dependency on the duration of each sprint test. In addition, the critical velocity for all subjects was found to be higher than for IAT, which consequently leads to an underestimation of AC. Moreover, the absolute level of the AC values appears to depend on the endurance of the comparison groups. It can then be concluded that the applied procedure allows for a differentiation amongst a variously trained collective, but does not allow a correct absolute determination of the AC.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effects of differing pedalling speeds on the power-duration relationship of high intensity cycle ergometry.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of differing pedalling speeds on the power-duration relationship during high intensity cycle ergometry with pedal cadences of 50 (low), 90 (intermediate) and 110 (high) r.min-1. This hyperbolic power-duration relationship can be described as: (P - phiPA).t = W', where P = power output, t = time to exhaustion, and phiPA and W' are constants. Eight volunteer male subjects, aged 24 +/- 2.6 yr, with no competitive cycling training took part in this study and each undertook thirteen tests on a Lode BV Excalibur Sport V1.52 cycle ergometer over an eight week period. The first exercise bout was a 30 W.min-1 incremental cycle at 50 r.min-1 to volitional fatigue. This allowed the identification of a range of power outputs that would be used to construct and examine the power-duration relationships for each subject at 50, 90 and 110 r.min-1. At both 50 and 90 r.min-1, power outputs of 30 W above and below and 60 W above the highest work rate, as well as the maximum work rate achieved during the incremental exercise test were chosen, while at 110 r.min-1, the power outputs chosen were 25 W above and below as well as 50 W above the highest work rate achieved during the incremental exercise test and also the maximum work rate achieved during the incremental exercise test were chosen. These four work rates for each pedalling frequency were chosen because they would have exercise times to exhaustion in the range of 1-10 minutes. Each exercise bout was preceded by four minutes of unloaded cycling and then the work rate was adjusted quickly to the desired load setting by the previously programmed computerised ergometer. The results of this work indicate that for the group of subjects studied, pedalling a cycle ergometer at 50 r.min-1 allows subjects to pedal for a significantly greater time than when pedalling at either 90 or 110 r.min-1. phiPA at 50 r.min-1 was significantly greater than when pedalling at either 90 (F(1,21) = 7.47, p < 0.01) or 110 r.min-1 (F(1,21) = 10.83, p < 0.0005). There was no significant (p > 0.22) difference between phiPA at 90 and 110 r.min-1, F(1,21) = 1.36. W' however, was not significantly different when the data for 50 r.min-1, 90 r.min-1 and 110 r.min-1 were compared (F50 r.min-1 (1,21) = 0.95; p > 0.41; F90 r.min-1(1,21) = 0.79, p > 0.53; F110 r.min-1 (1,21) = 0.78, p > 0.53). Our hypothesis, that endurance performance was reduced when recreational cyclists pedal at a high cadence when compared to a low cadence was correct. Maximum sustainable power output during cycle ergometry was higher at 50 r.min-1 than at either 90 or 110 r.min-1. At the intermediate cadence endurance was better than at the high but worse than at the low cadence. In conclusion, during endurance cycling, recreaional cyclists should pedal at lower rather than higher cadences.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Physiological responses of speed skaters to treadmill low walking and cycle ergometry.

Speed skaters have previously relied on cycle ergometry for physiological testing. Current evidence suggests skate-specific testing might be more appropriate. Unlike cycling, skating and off-ice low walk training involves a 'crouched' posture, placing the quadriceps in static contraction. This may compromise blood flow to working muscles and influence VO2. We compared physiological variables between skate-specific treadmill low walking (LW) and cycle ergometry (BK). Skaters (N = 8) performed LW and BK to fatigue in randomized order. No difference existed for peak HR. Peak VO2 was lower for LW (4.13 +/- 0.34 vs 4.43 +/- 0.35, p < 0.05). Peak VE was lower during LW (146 +/- 13 vs 180 +/- 31, p < 0.05). R was significantly lower for LW, although no difference in peak lactate (LA) was evident. At submaximal heart rates, VO2 was lower during LW (p < 0.05), and submaximal LA was higher when expressed as percent peak VO2 (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that skating posture limits O2 delivery to the lower extremities, and thus accounts for a greater dependence upon anaerobic energy production.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Pressor response to cycle ergometry in the midtrimester of pregnancy: can it predict preeclampsia?

Ninety-seven primigravid patients were prospectively studied to assess the predictive value of the pressor response to aerobic exercise as a screening test for preeclampsia. The blood pressure response to cycle ergometry exercise to a maternal pulse of 140 beats/min was recorded on each subject. Each subject was studied in the second trimester of pregnancy at a mean gestational age of 23 weeks (range, 18 to 27). Three of the study subjects developed hypertension with proteinuria in the third trimester. A rise in systolic blood pressure of at least 30 mm Hg occurred in 29 patients, but this did not predict third trimester preeclampsia (p = 0.21). A rise in diastolic blood pressure of 20 mm was observed in 18 patients, two of whom developed preeclampsia (p = 0.08). An increase of diastolic pressure of 20 mm Hg with moderate cycle ergometry exercise in the second trimester may predict a subset of patients at elevated risk of preeclampsia in the third trimester. However, the positive predictive value of this 20 mm Hg pressor increase (11%) limits its applicability as a screening test. Thus, we cannot recommend the use of an exercise screening test at this time.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1989

The accuracy of the critical power test for predicting time to exhaustion during cycle ergometry.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between actual time to exhaustion or time limit (ATLIM) during bicycle ergometry and predicted time to exhaustion (PTLIM) from the Critical Power (CP) test. fourteen males (means +/- SD = 22.36 +/- 2.13 years) volunteered as subjects for this investigation. The subjects visited the laboratory on seven occasions separated by at least 24 h. The first two visits were used for the determination of CP; during the remaining sessions the subjects rode a Monarch bicycle ergometer at power loadings of CP - 20%, CP, CP + 20%, CP + 40% and CP + 60% for the determination of ATLIM. Theoretically, power loadings less than or equal to CP can be maintained indefinitely without exhaustion and the PTLIM for power loadings greater than CP can be estimated from the results of the CP test. The accuracy of the CP test for estimating the time to exhaustion during bicycle ergometry was determined by comparing ATLIM to PTLIM using correlation coefficients, standard error of estimates and related t-tests. The results of this study indicated that there were no significant (p greater than 0.05) differences between ATLIM and PTLIM for power loadings greater than CP (ATLIM vs PTLIM at CP + 20% = 8.19 +/- 3.90 vs 7.13 +/- 2.69 min, t = 2.106, r = 0.893, SEE = 1.21 min; CP + 40% = 3.60 +/- 1.37 vs 3.46 +/- 1.18 min, t = 0.842, r = 0.882, SEE = 0.556 min; CP + 60% = 2.36 +/- 0.95 vs 2.32 +/- 0.79 min; t = 0.328 r = 0.841, SEE = 0.428 min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The influence of crank rate on peak oxygen consumption during arm crank ergometry.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of three imposed crank rates on the attainment of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and other physiological responses during incremental arm crank ergometry. Twenty physically active, although non-specifically trained, males volunteered for the study. They completed an exercise protocol using an electrically braked arm ergometer (Lode Angio, Groningen, Netherlands) at crank rates of 60, 70 and 80 rev x min(-1). The order of tests was randomized and they were separated by at least 2 days. Peak VO2 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 70 and 80 rev x min(-1) than at 60 rev x min(-1). Peak ventilation volume increased as a function of crank rate and was higher (P < 0.05) at 80 than at 60 rev x min(-1). Peak heart rate was higher (P < 0.05) at 70 and 80 rev x min(-1) than at 60 rev x min(-1). Furthermore, 70 and 80 rev x min(-1) resulted in an extended test time compared with 60 rev x min(-1). The greater physiological responses observed during the tests at the two faster crank rates might have been the result of a postponement of acute localized neuromuscular fatigue, allowing for more work to be completed. We recommend, therefore, that an imposed crank rate between 70 and 80 rev x min(-1) should be used to elicit VO2peak and other physiological responses in arm crank ergometry.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The GAME(Cycle) exercise system: comparison with standard ergometry.

BACKGROUND: It is well established that physical activity is beneficial to health. For the individual in a wheelchair, a regular exercise program might not be available or may be too difficult to participate in physically and/or psychologically. Many exercise devices and regimes are boring. The goal, therefore, is to develop a device that makes exercise more exciting and, thus, motivates a person to exercise more or for a longer period of time, yielding increased energy expenditure. Our laboratory developed an interface between an arm ergometer and a computer game that allows the user to control game play on the screen as if using a joystick. The purpose of this study was to determine (a) whether the GAME(Cycle) system would elicit an exercise effect similar to arm ergometry, (b) whether perceived exertion would be different between the 2 devices, and (c) individuals' impressions regarding the GAME(Cycle) system. METHODS: Thirteen individuals who used wheelchairs participated in the study. Participants were asked to exercise for 2 separate, 19-minute sessions. For 1 session, a GAME(Cycle) system was used and for the other session, the same arm ergometer was used, but without the computer game being played. Physiologic data and perceived exertion were collected for each session. RESULTS: There were significant differences between playing the game and not playing the game for VO2 (P = 0.03) and VCO2 (P = 0.02), with higher values being found when the game was played. Perceived exertion was not significantly different between the 2 trials. CONCLUSION: GAME(Cycle) appears to be similar in nature with respect to energy expenditure to arm ergometry. Because this study was conducted on athletes, further research is needed with sedentary individuals to determine exercise effects and perceived exertion.

Adult↗