Aerobic Requirements of Arm Ergometry: Implications for Exercise Testing and Training

Abstract

In brief: To compare the oxygen cost of submaximal and maximal arm and leg exercise, ten healthy men (mean age 28 years) underwent multistage arm and leg ergometer tests using standard open circuit calorimetry. VO₂ during arm exercise was greater than leg exercise at any given work load. Peak work load during arm work (675 kpm-min⁻¹) was only 55% of the peak work load during leg work (1,230 kpm-min⁻¹). VO₂ max during arm work (10.5 mets) was 80% of the VO₂ max during leg work (13.2 mets). Since arm performance tends to be a poor predictor of leg performance and vice versa, arm ergometry appears to be the preferred exercise mode for the functional evaluation of select patients.