Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine oxygen consumption (V02) patterns during arm work ergometry and to determine if V02 (ml/kg/min) could be accurately predicted from workload and attribute variables. Thirty-two male subjects were chosen to form a homogeneous group in regard to age, gender, and percentage body fat, but at the same time to produce a large range in body weight. Each subject performed a continuous exercise test on an arm ergometer to voluntary exhaustion. Oxygen consumption and heart rate were determined and averaged for each workload. Multiple linear regression with a forward solution was utilized in the primary analysis of the data; dependent variable, V02 (ml/kg/min). V02 (l/min) and V02 (ml/kg/min) increased throughout the workload range, being significantly greater for light than heavy subjects, particularly at high workloads. Workload, weight and the workload x weight product (workload x weight/100) added significantlyto the prediction of V02 (ml/kg/min) when introduced into a forward solution, respectively. When the order of entry for weight and the workload x weight product was reversed, weight became unimportant as a predictor. It was concluded that the accurate prediction of V02 (ml/kg/min) during arm ergometry is possible and that workload, weight and their interaction should be considered in the development of a predictive model. The model which contained only the workload and the workload x weight product produced the best fit for these data. Verf.-Referat