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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-05-2014 | Original Article

Cardiovascular responses to counterweighted single-leg cycling: implications for rehabilitation

Authors: Keith J. Burns, Brandon S. Pollock, Phil LaScola, John McDaniel

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Although difficult to coordinate, single-leg cycling allows for greater muscle-specific exercise capacity and subsequently greater stimulus for metabolic and vascular adaptations compared to typical double-leg cycling. The purpose of this investigation was to compare metabolic, cardiovascular and perceptual responses of double-leg cycling to single-leg cycling with and without the use of a counterweight.

Methods

Ten healthy individuals (age 22 ± 2 years; body mass 78.0 ± 11.2 kg; height 1.8 ± 0.1 m) performed three cycling conditions consisting of double-leg cycling (DL), non-counterweighted single-leg cycling (SL_NCW) and single-leg cycling with a 97 N counterweight attached to the unoccupied crank arm (SL_CW). For each condition, participants performed cycling trials (80 rpm) at three different work rates (40, 80 and 120 W). Oxygen consumption (VO₂), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), femoral blood flow, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and liking score were measured.

Results

VO₂ and HR were similar for DL and SL_CW conditions. However, during SL_NCW, VO₂ was at least 23 ± 13 % greater and HR was at least 15 ± 11 % greater compared to SL_CW across all three intensities. Femoral blood flow was at least 65.5 ± 43.8 % greater during SL_CW compared to DL cycling across all three intensities. RPE was lower and liking scores were greater for SL_CW compared to SL_NCW condition.

Conclusion

Counterweighted single-leg cycling provides an exercise modality that is more tolerable than typical single-leg cycling while inducing greater peripheral stress for the same cardiovascular demand as double-leg cycling.

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Title: Cardiovascular responses to counterweighted single-leg cycling: implications for rehabilitation
Authors: Keith J. Burns
Brandon S. Pollock
Phil LaScola
John McDaniel
Publication date: 01-05-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2830-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cardiovascular responses to counterweighted single-leg cycling: implications for rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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