Effects of toeclip use on metabolic and cardiopulmonary responses to bicycle ergometer exercise

Toeclips secure the feet to bicycle pedals and are thought to enable greater anticipation of leg musculature in the pedaling motion. To determine the effects of toeclip use on metabolic and cardiopulmonary responses to BERG exercise, 13 female subjects, who had no prior experience with the devices, performed maximal and submaximal work with and without the use of toeclips. Similar oxygen uptake (V02), physical work capacity, pulmonary ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (R), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate concentration (LA) were found for maximal effort exercise under both conditions. For submaximal exercise (at 30, 60, and 80% maximal V02) performed with and without toeclips, no differences were found for V02, VE, R, HR, LA, cardiac output, stroke volume, and arteriovenous oxygen difference. These data suggest that toeclip use during BERG exercise may not alter metabolic and cardiopulmonary responses of individuals who have no prior experience with the devices.