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Physiologic comparison and validation of Stairobic stepping with bench stepping.
S P Brown1, E R Anderson, Q He
1Department of Exercise Science and Leisure Management, University of Mississippi, University.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|September 1, 1992
Summary
The Stairobic stepping machine requires a higher stepping rate than bench stepping to achieve similar oxygen costs during submaximal exercise. Stairobic MET values often misrepresent actual energy expenditure.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
Background:
- Submaximal exercise oxygen cost is crucial for understanding exercise intensity.
- Bench stepping (BS) is a common exercise modality.
- The Stairobic stepping (SS) machine is a newer alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the oxygen cost (VO2) of submaximal exercise between the Stairobic stepping (SS) machine and traditional bench stepping (BS).
- To evaluate the accuracy of Stairobic MET (SM) values compared to actual MET (AM) values.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy participants (mean age 23) performed six randomized 5-minute exercise bouts.
- Standard open-circuit calorimetry was used to measure cardiorespiratory responses.
- Multiple regression analysis was employed to develop an equation for actual MET estimation.
Main Results:
- Similar ventilation (VE) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were observed when SS rate was double or triple the BS rate.
- Oxygen consumption (VO2) was equivalent between BS at 20 st/min and SS at 60 st/min, and BS at 30 st/min and SS at 80 st/min.
- Stairobic MET (SM) values overestimated actual MET (AM) at lower SS rates and underestimated AM at the highest SS rate.
Conclusions:
- The physiologic cost of bench stepping (BS) is approximately equivalent to Stairobic stepping (SS) at two to three times the BS stepping rate.
- A predictive equation was developed: AM = -0.567 + -0.012 (WT) + 0.063 (rate) + 0.612 (SM), with R2=0.82.
- Stairobic MET values require careful interpretation due to potential over- or underestimation of actual energy expenditure.