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Microcomputer Servo‐controlled Bicycle Ergometer System for Psychophysiological Research
Author(s) -
Laperriere Arthur R.,
Dercar David H.,
Shyu Liang Yu,
Ward Michael F.,
McCabe Philip M.,
Perry Arlette C.,
Mosher Patricia E.,
Schneiderman Neil
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
psychophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.661
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1469-8986
pISSN - 0048-5772
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8986.1989.tb03157.x
Subject(s) - heart rate , workload , bicycle ergometer , microcomputer , simulation , servo , physical therapy , medicine , computer science , blood pressure , artificial intelligence , telecommunications , chip , operating system
Steady state exercise is widely used for psychophysiological studies in which a constant heart rate at a predetermined level is desired. We have developed a microcomputer servo‐controlled bicycle ergometer system that can be used for administering steady state exercise. Fourteen healthy male subjects, with a wide range of fitness levels (measured by Vo 2max ) were exercised to either a fixed workload (130 watts) or a predetermined heart rate level (servo‐heart rate) of 122 bpm (i.e., 65% of maximum calculated heart rate for the sample). Servo‐heart rate was implemented using a feedback loop that automatically adjusted workload to compensate for immediate variations in heart rate, resulting in a more consistent heart rate. Heart rate varied from the predetermined value by 17 bpm during fixed workload but only 3 bpm during servo‐heart rate ( p <.05). Therefore, by using the microcomputer servo‐controlled bicycle ergometer, heart rate was maintained at a predetermined level regardless of the subject's fitness level. 2max and workload during servo‐heart rate were significantly correlated ( r = .85, p <.05). Therefore, the workload necessary to maintain heart rate at a constant level may provide an approximate index of aerobic fitness level.