Open AccessAre heart rate methods based on ergometer cycling and level treadmill walking interchangeable?
Author(s) -
Karin Olsson,
Jane Salier Eriksson,
Hans Rosdahl,
Peter Schantz
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0237388
Subject(s) - cycling , cycle ergometer , treadmill , heart rate , bicycle ergometer , physical therapy , medicine , vo2 max , cardiology , blood pressure , history , archaeology
The heart rate (HR) method is a promising approach for evaluating oxygen uptake (V ˙ O 2), energy demands and exercise intensities in different forms of physical activities. It would be valuable if the HR method, established on ergometer cycling, is interchangeable with other regular activities, such as level walking. This study therefore aimed to examine the interchangeability of the HR method when estimatingV ˙ O 2for ergometer cycling and level treadmill walking in submaximal conditions. Methods Two models ofHR ‐ V ˙ O 2regression equations for cycle ergometer exercise (CEE) and treadmill exercise (TE) were established with 34 active commuters. Model 1 consisted of three submaximal intensities of ergometer cycling or level walking, model 2 included also one additional workload of maximal ergometer cycling or running. The regression equations were used for estimatingV ˙ O 2with seven individual HR values based on 25–85% of HR reserve (HRR). TheV ˙ O 2estimations were compared between CEE and TE, within and between each model. Results Only minor, and in most cases non-significant, average differences were observed when comparing the estimatedV ˙ O 2levels between CEE and TE. Model 1 ranged from -0.4 to 4.8% (n.s.) between 25–85%HRR. In model 2, the differences between 25–65%HRR ranged from 1.3 to -2.7% (n.s.). At the two highest intensities, 75 and 85%HRR,V ˙ O 2was slightly lower (3.7%, 4.4%; P < 0.05), for CEE than TE. The inclusion of maximal exercise in theHR ‐ V ˙ O 2relationships reduced the individualV ˙ O 2variations between the two exercise modalities. Conclusion The HR methods, based on submaximal ergometer cycling and level walking, are interchangeable for estimating meanV ˙ O 2levels between 25–85% of HRR. Essentially, the same applies when adding maximal exercise in theHR ‐ V ˙ O 2relationships. The inter-individualV ˙ O 2variation between ergometer cycling and treadmill exercise is reduced when using the HR method based on both submaximal and maximal workloads.