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). Vo2 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 Vo2 that was about 15% lower than in sitting cycling. A similar reduction in maximal Vo2 was noted in swimming. Maximal work with the arms ( g) gave an oxygen uptake that was about 70% of maximal Vo2 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