Treadmills vs Bicycle Ergometers

In brief

Treadmills and bicycle ergometers have unique mechanical characteristics and different physiological effects that must be considered when choosing equipment and comparing results. Cranking the ergometer in the standing vs the lying position causes a higher heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory time volume, VO₂, CO₂, respiratory quotient, lactic acid, and ventilation. However, the stroke volume, intra-arterial pressure, and peripheral resistance are lower. Treadmill vs ergometer exercise causes a higher VO₂ max, O₂ pulse, cardiac output, stroke volume, a-vO₂ difference, and blood flow in the calves, but a lower heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory time volume, respiratory quotient, lactic acid, ventilation, intra-arterial blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pressure-rate product, and peripheral resistance.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vojin N. Smodlaka

Dr. Smodlaka is director of the department of rehabilitation medicine at the Methodist Hospital, and he is a clinical professor of rehabilitation medicine at the State University of New York College of Medicine in Brooklyn. He is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and a member of the editorial board of THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE.