Handrail assisted versus nonhandrail assisted StairMaster Gauntlet ergometry
Abstract
This study was designed to determine if sig diff existed in
physiological responses (VO2 ,Ve, METS, R, kcal, HR, and
RPE) between handrail assisted (HA) and nonhandrail assisted
(NHA) StairMaster Gauntlet (SG) exercise tests on the SG. Twenty males,
ages 21-30, performed 2 exercise tests on the SG. The tests
consisted of 4, 4 min stages, representing the SG's
predicted MET values of 8, 11, 14, and 17, for each of the
handrail assisted conditions. Expired gases were analyzed
with the Quinton Q-Plex I and HRs were monitored with UNIQCIC
heartwatches. Individual ANOVAs revealed sig (p < . 0 5 )
higher values for the NHA method for oxygen consumption
(VO METS, kcal) and VE. Variables not exhibiting sig (p <
.05f*dif f included HR, R, and RPE. Individual t-tests
revealed that values obtained for oxygen consumption were
sig (p < .01) higher under the NHA condition for all stages
of testing. VE and RPE values were sig (p < .01) higher
under the NHA condition for stages 3 and 4 of the tests.
Values representing R were sig (p c -01) higher for the NHA
condition for stage 4 only. No sig (p > .01) diff were
observed between conditions for HR. The SG's estimated MET
levels sig (p c .ol) overestimated actual MET expenditure
when compared to the HA condition in stages 2 through 4.
The NHA condition resulted in a sig (p < .01) overestimation
of MET levels during Stage 1, but not for Stages 2 through
4, when compared to the SGts estimated MET levels. Further
studies are needed to evaluate the possible inherent
differences among sexes and fitness levels in regard to hand
support variations on the StairMaster Gauntlet and 4000 PT.
Subject
StairMaster Gauntlet (Exercise machine)
Step aerobics - Physiological aspects
Physical fitness for men - Testing