Cardiopulmonary responses to arm exercise performed in various ways

Abstract

Energy expenditure, pulmonary ventilation, and heart rate were studied during arm work when the load, pedalling rate, pedalling direction, and the length of the crank were varied. The same variables were also studied when cranking was performed with both hands on the same side as well as on each side of the crankshaft. The results were compared to the demand when arm cranking a fresh air fan intended for an air raid shelter. The energy expenditure, heart rate, and inspiration flow increased considerably when the pedalling rate was increased at a load of 50W and 100W, as well as when the arm cranking was performed backwards with the same loads compared to the forward direction. When the length of the crank was varied from 26 to 30cm there was no difference in energy metabolism.