Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Standardizing submaximal exercise intensities for use of supine push-pull exercise during cardiovascular magnetic
Jarno J Steenhorst1,2,3, Alexander Hirsch1,3, Linda E M van den Berg4
1Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging during supine exercise at (sub)maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 ) offers unique diagnostic insights. However, maximal VO2 is not achievable in the supine position and standardizing submaximal exercise intensities remains challenging. Using heart rate or workload could be a viable option to translate VO2 -based submaximal exercise intensities.
Aim:
To translate submaximal exercise intensities upright cycling exercise (UCE) to supine push-pull exercise (SPPE), by comparing heart rate or workload determined during UCE, with heart rate and workload during SPPE at similar exercise intensities.
Methods And Results:
Sixteen healthy young adults (20.4 ± 2.2 years; 8 female) underwent cardiopulmonary UCE and SPPE testing [mean ± standard deviation maximal VO2 : 3.2 ± 0.6 vs. 5 ± 0.3 L min-1 , p < 0.001 and median (interquartile range) of the maximum workload: 310 (244, 361) vs. 98 (98, 100), p < 0.001, respectively]. Heart rate at 40% and 60% of maximal VO2 , as determined by UCE, showed low bias (-3 and 0 bpm, respectively) and wide limits of agreement (±26 and ±28 bpm, respectively), in Bland-Altman analysis. VO2 /Workload relation was exponential and less efficient during SPPE compared to UCE. Generalized estimated equation analysis predicted model-based mean workload during SPPE, with acceptable 95% confidence interval.
Conclusion:
Heart rate during UCE at submaximal exercise intensities can reasonably well be used to for SPPE in healthy subjects. Using workload, an ergometer specific, model-based mean can be used to determine exercise intensities during SPPE. Individual variations in response to posture and movement change are high. During clinical interpretation of exercise CMR, individual exercise intensity has to be considered.
More Related Videos
10:00Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2019
09:40Phosphorus-31 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Tool for Measuring In Vivo Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Capacity in Human Skeletal Muscle
Published on: January 19, 2017
Related Concept Videos
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
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI