Abstract

Hemodynamic changes associated with certain rhythmic lower extremity exerciseswere examined in 10 healthy male subjects. Specifically, the responses to a variety of weight lifting exercises were compared with those elicited by stationary cycling and treadmill walking. All exercise bouts approximated an intensity of 3-4 METS. The weight lifting exercises studied included 1- and 2-leg sitting press efforts on a Universal gym, and 1- and 2-leg sitting knee extension efforts. Pre-exercise and five minute steady-state values were obtained for the following variables: heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and 02 consumption (V02). The rate-pressure product (R.P.P.) was calculated from other variables and was used as an index of myocardial 02 consumption when comparing the various exercise conditions. Differences inthevariables measured were found when comparing the weight lifting exercises to bicycling and treadmill walking. Perhaps the most important difference was noted when comparing the change in R.P.P. to change in V02 (change=difference between steady-state and pre-ex). This indicates a larger increase in myocardial 02 consumption per unit change in VO2 for rhythmic lower extremity weightlifting exercise than for bike or treadmill exercise. Verf.-Referat