Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Graded Treadmill and Cycle Exercise in Male Children

Abstract

Physiological and perceptual responses at ventilatory threshold (VT) and V̇O 2 peak were examined in 10 male children (10.2 ± 1.3 yrs) during graded treadmill and cycle exercise. Treadmill V̇O 2 peak (57.9 ± 6.7 ml · kg −1 · min −1 ) was higher ( p < .05) than the cycle (51.7 ± 7.7 ml · kg −1 · min −1 ). Ventilation and heart rate (HR) were higher ( p < .05) on the treadmill, while respiratory exchange ratio (RER), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), capillary blood lactate, and test duration were similar between tests. The V̇O 2 at VT was higher ( p < .05) on the treadmill (36.7 ± 4.6 ml · kg −1 · min −1 ) than the cycle (32.5 ± 4.4 ml · kg −1 · min −1 ). When VT was expressed as a percentage of V̇O 2 peak, there was no difference ( p > .05) between tests. The RPE at VT, HR at VT, and VT expressed as a percentage of HRpeak were also similar ( p > .05) between tests. Similar to V̇O 2 peak, the V̇O 2 at VT is dependent on the mode of exercise. However, when VT is expressed as a percentage of V̇O 2 peak, it is independent of testing modality. The RPE at VT appears to be linked to a percentage of V̇O 2 peak rather than an absolute V̇O 2 .