2008 Proceedings - St. Cloud State University

Abstracts
Session T All Disciplines Ballroom
Comparison of Metabolic Power Between Seated Elliptical and Recumbent Ergometers at the Same Perceived Exertion
The general population usually uses machines in a gym to maintain fitness and burn extra calories. A study comparing energy expenditure
demonstrated a higher metabolic power with treadmill running compared to a cycle ergometer when exercising at the same perceived
exertion (Moyna, 2001). If exercise economy or mechanical power were different between a seated elliptical and a recumbent ergometer
at the same perceived exertion, metabolic power would differ. PURPOSE: To determine if metabolic (kcal/min) power is different between
a seated-elliptical and recumbent cycle with subjects exercising at a perceived exertion of 10-11, neither light nor heavy. METHODS: Ten
physically active, college-age subjects were tested on a seated-elliptical and recumbent ergometer. A pre-trial visit familiarized subjects
with both devices. Subjects performed at a perceived exertion of 10-11 using a 20 point Borg scale for 10 minutes on both devices. Toward
the end of each 10 minute steady state ride, measurements were made to determine the subject‘s mechanical and metabolic power.
Mechanical power was determined by measuring pedal forces, pedal displacement and time, and handle forces on the seated-elliptical
device. Metabolic power was measured with a metabolic cart using one minute averages. Subjects rested for10 minutes between exercise
trials and test order of the two devices was randomized to eliminate a possible order affect. Power outputs between devices were
compared with a paired, two-tailed t-test, and alpha of 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: Metabolic power was ~23% higher (7.0±0.76kcal,
5.7±1.24kcal, p