Comparison of V'O2 kinetics in upright and supine position.

Oxygen uptake (V'O2) kinetics during exercise depends in particular on muscular aerobic capacity and cardio-vascular parameters. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of body position on the V'O2 kinetics as determined by means of the PRBS technique. 9 healthy male volunteers performed bicycle ergometer exercise in both upright and supine position. No significant changes were seen in normalized gains and phase shifts of the power-V'O2-relationship. It is concluded that the differences in venous blood volume distribution and cardiac output associated with upright and supine position do not have major effects on power- V'O2-gains.