A comparison of continuous and intermittent progressive multistage exercise testing

Twelve male subjects were compared on continuous and intermittent treadmill test of identical exercise stages. Each stage was three minutes in duration. Oxygen uptake during minutes one and two was significantly lower in the intermittent test. Heart rate VE and R were lower and oxygen pulse greater during all three minutes at moderate and strenuous workloads and throughout recovery of the intermittent protocol. There were no significant differences in exercise minute three or recovery VO2 and blood pressure. Regression equations for the relationship between VO2 oxygen pulse heart rate, VE systolic blood pressure and workload during the third minute of exercise included curvilinear functions whereas the regression equations between VO2 and heart rate, and between R and workload were linear. Slopes of percent maximal heart rate vs. percent percent maximal VO2 of the third minute were not different. Heart rate responded more rapidly to onset and cessation of exercise than did VO2. A near steady state was obtained during low and moderate workloads prior to minute three supporting the feasibility of reducing test time. Result suggest a slight advantage in intermittent testing compared to continuous testing for evaluating cardiovascular function and for exercise prescription.