Validity of arm-leg elliptical ergometer for VO2max analysis

Maximal oxygen consumption ((Equation is included in full-text article.)) can be determined through multiple exercise modalities intended to elicit an individual's maximal aerobic exertion. Uphill treadmill running is considered the best modality for measuring (Equation is included in full-text article.). Previous studies have examined correlations between treadmill and elliptical ergometer tests as well as the cycle ergometer, but none of the studies use an arm-leg elliptical ergometer (ALE). The purpose of this study was to develop an ALE (Equation is included in full-text article.)testing protocol and determine whether ALE produces valid (Equation is included in full-text article.)values as compared with the treadmill. Twelve undergraduate students (mean age: 20.8 years) completed 2 (Equation is included in full-text article.)tests, 1 on a treadmill and 1 on ALE. (Equation is included in full-text article.)correlation between ALE and treadmill was examined, and paired t-tests were run for (Equation is included in full-text article.)and maximum heart rate (HRmax). A strong positive correlation was found between ALE and treadmill (Equation is included in full-text article.)values (r = 0.84; p < 0.001). There were no differences between (Equation is included in full-text article.)values; however, HRmax values were higher on the treadmill than ALE (p = 0.003). Although future research is needed to examine the observed differences in HRmax between the 2 testing modalities and gender differences in muscle recruitment patterns, the results of this study suggest that ALE is a valid modality for (Equation is included in full-text article.)testing. This will be particularly valuable as a clinical tool to assess (Equation is included in full-text article.)in populations requiring low-impact exercise.