The heart rate achieved with maximal upper limb exercise is quoted as being on average thirteen beats per minute lower than when performing maximal leg exercise. Many canoeists use heart rate monitors during training and seek advice on setting their heart rate training zones. Existing guidelines are based on lower limb-derived heart rates, which may not be appropriate. As canoeists use predominantly their upper limbs during canoeing, it was hypothesized that as their upper limbs are trained, they may achieve heart rates and oxygen consumption similar to those achieved with lower limb exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the relationship between heart rate and oxygen consumption when exercising on either a kayak ergometer or treadmill. Fifteen volunteer canoeists, who compete regularly, were recruited by convenience, purposive sampling and randomly allocated to a V02max test using open circuit spirometry, on either a kayak ergometer or treadmill. They returned within 5 to 7 days for a V02max test on the other apparatus. Their heart rates were also measured during these activities. The heart rate oxygen consumption relationship for upper and lower limb exercise was then analysed. Maximum heart rate was on average only 6 beats per minute lower with upper limb exercise, with some subjects achieving the same or very similar HRmax; the median difference in heart rate maximum was only 4 beats per minute. Although the response of heart rate and oxygen consumption to kayaking and running was similar at any given workload, the heart rate on the kayak was about 8 beats per minute higher at any submaximal workload. V02max. on the kayak was lower than on the treadmill. At any metabolic equivalent, the tidal volume was lower on the kayak and there was a lower respiratory rate on the treadmill. At any tidal volume, the metabolic equivalent was lower on the kayak ergometer. The minute volume on the kayak was higher than on the treadmill, for all but the highest intensities of exercise. Using the leg heart rate max to determine the training zones, a slightly higher (negligible) percentage of arm V0max is achieved at any given percentage heart rate. Kayakers who train regularly, appear to be able to attain similar maximum heart rates with upper and lower limb exercise, but a lower V02max when exercising with their arms. The heart rate oxygen consumption response is the same for upper and lower body exercise; and a reduced HRmax and increased heart rate at any sub maximal workload do not appear to apply to canoeists. It is therefore concluded that heart rate training zones based on leg HRmax are suitable for kayak training. This study has helped distinguish the difference between the heart rates of the upper and lower limbs at any given oxygen consumption in canoeists. The benefits of performing this study have also been to provide better advice to canoeists on how to train using heart rate monitors. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Ground contact results in the generation of a heel-strike transient that propagates through the musculoskeletal system. The inability to attenuate the heel-strike-induced shock wave is a possible factor in the development of various gait pathologies and overuse-type injuries, such as knee osteoarthrosis, stress fractures, and low back pain. It is hypothesized that prolonged running will result in increased shock transmission at the tibia and sacroiliac joint during conditions of controlled velocity/stride mechanics. Subjects performed an extended running trial for 25-minutes at 75% HRReserve. EMG data of the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and tibialis anterior and accelerometer data from the tibial tuberosity and sacrum were recorded at one-minute intervals. Accelerometer data at the tibial tuberosity did show a significant increase during the run protocol. Linear regression of EMG frequency and tibial shock also demonstrated a significant relationship. An extended running protocol will lead to increases in tibia shock acceleration independent of stride mechanics. / School of Physical Education

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--La Crosse, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--South Dakota State University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 68-72). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.S.)--South Dakota State University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 68-72).

Previously, Whipp et. al. (J. Appl. Physiol.: Respirat. Environ. Exerc. Physiol. 50(1):217-221, 1981) demonstrated the feasibility of determining four parameters of aerobic function, identified as maximum oxygen uptake (μVO_2), VO_2 at anaerobic threshold (θan), the time constant for oxygen uptake kinetics (rVO_2) and work efficiency (η), using a short duration ramped bicycle ergometer exercise test. Because of the importance of being able to measure these parameters on a variety of measurement instruments a short duration ramping treadmill protocol has been developed. The ability of this protocol to determine the four aerobic parameters has been validated against conventional methods. The results of this investigation indicate that μVO_2, θan, rVO_2 and, η may be obtained from a single, short-duration ramping treadmill test.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is the internationally recognized measure of a person's cardiorespiratory fitness. Currently the most accurate way of assessing one's true VO2max involves the use of maximal exercise tests, which require the use of specialized equipment, and are time consuming and costly. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the submaximal Siconolfi step test to estimate VO2max. A second purpose was to determine if body fat percentage improved the validity. Thirty-six individuals underwent a maximal treadmill test, in which VO2max was directly measured, and the step test. Results indicate that, although VO2max estimates generated by the Siconolfi step test are highly correlated to true VO2max (r =.887; p<.01), the values consistently underestimated a person's aerobic fitness. It was also determined that body fat percentage did not contribute to the prediction of VO2max.

Populations that utilize deep water running (DWR) are described in Chapter I. A review of the literature concerning maximal and submaximal responses during DWR, shallow water running and swimming is presented in Chapter II. The protocols to elicit maximal responses during DWR and treadmill running (TMR), subject characteristics, and statistical methods employed are described in Chapter III. The results, presented in Chapter IV, indicate that the DWR protocol is a reliable test for eliciting peak oxygen consumption and heart rate. Furthermore, the metabolic responses during DWR are lower than TMR. Chapter V discusses factors which might limit maximal responses during DWR. Chapter VI contains suggestions for further research. Raw data are presented in Appendix A.

Eight sedentary elderly subjects (X̅ age = 83.4yr), including two males and six females, were evaluated to determine the effects of a low intensity, chair-based exercise program on selected physiological parameters. Exercise sessions were held 3 alternate days per week, 45 minutes per session, for 8 weeks. Subjects were exercise tested before and after training using a modification of the Smith and Gilligan chair step test; this is a multi-level graded exercise test suitable for very old subjects with aerobic exercise capacities of approximately 2-4 METs. Upon completion of training, group data analyses showed no significant adaptations in resting heart rate or blood pressure, exercise heart rate or blood pressure, peak exercise performance, nor for subject rating of perceived exertion at a fixed exercise intensity. A significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed post-training in the immediate post-exercise blood lactic acid response. Separating subjects (n=4) into high (91% attendance) and moderate (49% attendance) compliers, statistically significant differences were found for training related changes in several physiological parameters. Between-group analysis also showed significant changes (p < 0.05) in the chair exercise performance time. Post-training, the high compliers improved their total exercise tolerance (time) by 33%, whereas the moderate compliers exercise time was 22% less as compared to pre-training. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was also observed between groups in their perception of effort at a fixed-load in the exercise test. After training, the high compliers judged their effort to be 12% less at a fixed load in the chair exercise test, while the moderate compliers showed no significant changes (p < 0.05). Blood lactic acid responses were significantly higher (p < 0.05) after training for the high compliance group but no such change was found in the HLa response of the moderate compliers. There were no significant changes in resting or exercise heart rate and blood pressure responses in either the high or moderate compliance groups. The results of this study suggest that physiological adaptations do not occur in old individuals in response to a low intensity exercise program. Given these preliminary findings, further investigations are indicated to determine the effects of increased frequency and duration of physical activity programs on additional physiological parameters. / Master of Science

The direct effect of spouse presence during graded exercise testing on anxiety and performance has not been previously delineated. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to (a) ascertain if spouse presence during graded exercise testing affects state anxiety or physiological performance variables, and (b) determine differences in psychological status between cardiac patients and healthy adults.