Comparison of metabolic and perceptual responses during maximal exercise on two ergometers: NOVA 5000 vs treadmill

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological and perceptual responses to exercising on the NOVA 5000 (NO). The NO is a new computer controlled multi-limb exercise device which allows the exerciser to work arms and legs individually or in any combination from a seated position. Eleven subjects (7 males, 4 females) participated in two sessions of graded exercise testing (GXT) within the same week. One session involved a GXT treadmill test (TR) to exhaustion utilizing the Bruce protocol. A second GXT was performed on the NO that utilized a protocol consisting of successive 3 minute stages starting at 50 watts and increasing 25 watts until exhaustion. A Quinton Q-5000 and a Sensor Medics metabolic cart monitored cardiorespiratory function during both tests. MANOVA analysis revealed no significant (p < 0.05) differences between the NO and TR maximal values for VO2 (1.min-1 and ml.kg-1.min-1), HR, RER, VE, and workload (WR). There were significant (p < 0.05) differences between the to modes of testing for RPE and TT (time on task) with the NO having significantly higher values on both variables. The correlation coefficient for the VO2max values on the TR vs NO was r = 0.97. When the HR and VO2 means from each stage of the NO GXT were correlated over the duration of the test, a positive correlation (r = 0.99) was obtained. The results of this study indicate that the NOVA 5000 may be a suitable alternative device for testing healthy adults.