%VO2max versus %HRmax regressions for six modes of exercise.

The purpose of the study was to compare the %VO2max versus %HRmax regression equations developed from data collected during incremental work on six exercise modes: treadmill (T), cycle (C), skier (S), shuffle skier (SS), stepper (ST), and rower (R). Ten active males were habituated to all modes and then performed an incremental test to maximum on each mode. Mode order was assigned by Latin square sequences and the tests were separated by at least 72 h. VO2 and HR were recorded at each increment. Regression analyses were performed using SAS-GLM. Regressions for T, S, SS, and ST were not significantly different. C had a lower intercept and higher slope, while R had a higher intercept and lower slope than the other exercise modes. These results suggest that weight bearing exercise modes have similar %VO2max-%HRmax regressions. However, weight supported and arm exercise modes appear to have different regressions.