Treadmills vs Bicycle Ergometers

In brief Treadmills and bicycle ergometers have unique mechanical characteristics and different physiological effects that must be considered when choosing equipment and comparing results. Cranking the ergometer in the standing vs the lying position causes a higher heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory time volume, VO₂, CO₂, respiratory quotient, lactic acid, and ventilation. However, the stroke volume, intra-arterial pressure, and peripheral resistance are lower. Treadmill vs ergometer exercise causes a higher VO₂ max, O₂ pulse, cardiac output, stroke volume, a-vO₂ difference, and blood flow in the calves, but a lower heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory time volume, respiratory quotient, lactic acid, ventilation, intra-arterial blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pressure-rate product, and peripheral resistance.