Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

The Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill for Knee Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation
Published on: July 22, 2019
Treadmill exercise in calves implanted with the AbioCor replacement heart
Benjamin B Chiang1, George M Pantalos, Patricia Cerrito
1Jewish Hospital Heart and Lung Institute, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 500 S. Floyd Street, SB08, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of the AbioCor artificial heart implanted in calves that underwent treadmill exercise testing and to investigate the cardiovascular and metabolic responses during exercise. Six calves were implanted with the AbioCor. One week after surgery, exercise training was undertaken and animals were put on a treadmill at a speed of 0.5-1.0 mph, with the AbioCor operating at the maximum heart rate of 150 beats per minute. During exercise, the left and right atrial pressures were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Oxygen consumption was significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Lactate levels did not significantly increase (p > 0.05). The index of metabolic adequacy remained higher than 2.0, indicating that there was no substantial transition to anaerobic metabolism during exercise. There was an increased extraction of oxygen during exercise to meet the increased energy demands. Our study demonstrated that animals implanted with the AbioCor heart were able to maintain aerobic metabolism during low levels of exercise testing.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Veins of Lower Limbs
Formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, the posterior tibial vein, rising through the calf muscle, assimilates the fibular vein. The anterior tibial vein, a superior extension of the foot's dorsalis pedis vein, merges with the posterior tibial vein at the knee,...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
