Energy expenditure during leg exercise programs.

Comparisons of the effects of three exercise programs (active, passive, and isometric) and a rest program (control) on energy expenditure (oxygen consumption), heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were made. Thirty-six volunteers (18 men and 18 women) between the ages of 25 and 35 participated. Repeated measures ANOVAs (sex by program by time) were used to analyze the data. Significant program by time effects were obtained on oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory rate, and systolic blood pressure. In general, pair-wise comparisons indicate that for oxygen consumption and heart rate the isometric and active programs were comparable and significantly more demanding than either the passive or rest programs.