Constant-load versus heart rate-targeted exercise: responses of systolic intervals

Eight normal male volunteers were studied during bicycle ergometry at constant work loads of 50, 100, and 150 W for 4 min each and heart rate-targeted exercise to rates which matched those during the end of the 4th min at each constant work load. Systolic intervals measured prior to and during exercise included: Q-IM, isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), preejection period (PEP), left ventricular ejection time (LVET), ejection time index (ETI), PEP/LVET, and pulse transmission time (PTT). Directional changes during both exercise methods were consistent with previously reported results. Comparable control values indicated equivalent starting points for each bout and confirmed recovery from preceding exercise. There was striking similarities within each matched exercise set for Q-IM, IVCT, PEP, and PEP/LVET. LVET was significantly shorter for rate targeted exercise. We conclude that either constant-load or rate-targeted bicycle ergometry may be employed with choice of method determined by the purpose of the protocol and that systoloc intervals (except LVET) should not be importantly altered owing to the method chosen.