Ventilatory and cardiovascular responses to unsupported low-intensity upper limb exercise in normal subjects

The ventilatory and cardiovascular responses, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to three types of unsupported low-intensity upper limb exercise (static, dynamic - unilateral and bilateral) were investigated in 22 normal subjects. A significant increase in tidal volume, respiratory rate, minute ventilation, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and pulse rate occurred during all three exercises (p < 0.05). With the exception of tidal volume, these increases were significantly greater with dynamic exercise (p < 0.05). Local RPE was significantly higher than general RPE following both static and dynamic exercise (p < 0.05) with no significant differences between the three exercises. These findings provide some basis for the development of exercise protocols for testing in post-operative patients.