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Methods comparison: assessing agreement of physiological parameters obtained from exercise on two different cycle
Jake A Siedlik1, Grant Harrison, Robert Brigman
11Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas; and 2Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Lacrosse, Wisconsin.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|September 19, 2013
Summary
This study found that the PowerTap Pro+ (BPT) mobile ergometer shows good agreement with the Lode stationary bicycle ergometer (SBE) for measuring heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption during exercise testing at various power outputs (POs).
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Biomechanics
- Performance Measurement
Background:
- Accurate measurement of physiological parameters during exercise is crucial for performance analysis and training.
- Stationary bicycle ergometers and mobile power meters are commonly used, but their agreement needs validation.
- Understanding device agreement is essential for reliable field-based exercise testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the agreement between a Lode stationary bicycle ergometer (SBE) and a PowerTap Pro+ (BPT) mobile ergometer.
- To compare physiological parameters including heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption, pulmonary ventilation (VE), blood lactate, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) at established power outputs (POs).
Main Methods:
- Ten trained male cyclists completed randomized trials on both SBE and BPT devices.
- Physiological data were collected at incremental POs (50-250 W).
- Bland-Altman plots and regression analyses were used to assess agreement between devices.
Main Results:
- Moderate to good agreement was observed for HR and oxygen consumption, improving with increasing PO.
- Agreement for VE, RPE, and blood lactate was inconsistent across trials.
- The PowerTap Pro+ demonstrated sufficient agreement with the SBE for estimating PO and related physiological measures.
Conclusions:
- The PowerTap Pro+ mobile ergometer is a reliable tool for field-based exercise testing, particularly for HR and oxygen consumption.
- While HR and oxygen consumption show good agreement, VE, RPE, and lactate require cautious interpretation when using the BPT.
- Further research may explore agreement across different populations and exercise protocols.
