{"id":283,"date":"2008-03-14T16:05:40","date_gmt":"2008-03-14T21:05:40","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2017-08-07T11:47:23","modified_gmt":"2017-08-07T16:47:23","slug":"the-comparison-of-maximal-oxygen-consumption-between-seated-and-standing-leg-cycle-ergometry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/the-comparison-of-maximal-oxygen-consumption-between-seated-and-standing-leg-cycle-ergometry\/","title":{"rendered":"The Comparison of Maximal Oxygen Consumption Between Seated and Standing Leg Cycle Ergometry: A Practical Analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"submitted\">Submitted by: A. Bosak, J. Green, T. Crews &amp; R. Deere<\/div>\n<p><strong>Abstract:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Because previous studies have been equivocal, the current study compared VO<sub>2<\/sub>max between seated and standing cycle ergometry protocols in male (n=14) and female (n=22) volunteers of average cardiovascular fitness. All subjects completed maximal exertion seated (SIT) and standing (STD) cycle ergometry GXT protocols at 60 rev\/min (rpm), with resistance increased by 30 Watts\/min. SIT required individuals to remain seated for the duration of the test until achieving volitional exhaustion. For STD, subjects performed seated cycling until they felt it was necessary to stand to continue the GXT. Subjects were then required to stand and perform &#8220;standing cycling&#8221; (resistance increased 30 Watts\/min) to volitional exhaustion. VO<sub>2<\/sub>max (ml\/kg\/min), peak HR (b\/min), peak RER, and peak V<sub>E<\/sub> (L\/min) were compared between SIT and STD using MANOVA. Results were considered significant at p \u2264 0.05. VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>STD<\/sub> (37.9 \u00b1 8.0) was significantly greater than VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>SIT<\/sub> (36.8 \u00b1 6.6), while HR<sub>STD<\/sub> (190 \u00b1 9.5) was significantly greater than HR<sub>SIT<\/sub> (187 \u00b1 9.6). VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>STD<\/sub> was, on average 2.0% greater than VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>SIT<\/sub>, with a range of -16.9 to +17.4%, while HR<sub>STD<\/sub> was, on average 1.2% greater than HR<sub>SIT<\/sub>, with values ranging from -5.6 to +7.4%. VE<sub>STD<\/sub> (86.0 \u00b1 31.6) was not significantly different than VE<sub>SIT<\/sub> (82.6 \u00b1 26.8), while RER<sub>STD<\/sub> (1.21 \u00b1 0.096) was significantly lower than RER<sub>SIT<\/sub> (1.23 \u00b1 0.065). Results suggest that the utilization of a standing protocol should be considered when cycle ergometry is the selected testing mode. Future research should seek to determine the characteristics of subjects who do\/do not benefit from a standing cycle ergometry protocol.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Introduction:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Maximum oxygen consumption (VO<sub>2<\/sub>max) represents the highest rate at which oxygen can be consumed and utilized to produce energy sustaining aerobic activity. VO<sub>2<\/sub>max is regarded as the gold standard for assessing aerobic fitness. It is acknowledged as a substantial backbone for prescribing appropriate exercise and training intensities. Therefore, accurate determination of VO<sub>2<\/sub>max is vital.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout history, VO<sub>2<\/sub>max has been assessed during numerous exercise modes such as treadmill, rowing, and cycle ergometry. Different modes and protocols have been compared to determine which protocol and\/or mode permits the highest VO<sub>2<\/sub>max (Beasley, Fernhall, and Plowman, 1989; Coast, Cox, and Welch, 1986; Faria, Dix, and Frazer, 1978; Lavoie, Mahoney, and Marmelic, 1978; McArdle, Katch, and Katch, 2006; Mckay and Banister, 1976; Moffat and Sparling, 1985; Pivarnik, Mountain, Graves, and Pollock, 1988; Ricci and Leger, 1983; and Welbergen and Clijsen, 1990). Compared to seated cycle ergometry, treadmill exercise usually permits a higher VO<sub>2<\/sub>max due to the activation of more muscle mass and less pronounced leg fatigue. One of the more common VO<sub>2<\/sub>max tests implemented in exercise physiology labs is the Bruce treadmill protocol (Beasley et al., 1989; Fernhall and Kohrt, 1990; Kelly et al., 1980; Lavoie et al., 1978; Marsh and Martin, 1993; Moffat and Sparling, 1985; Ryschon and Stray-Gunderson, 1991; Verstappen, Huppertz, and Snoeckx, 1982; and Welbergen and Clijsen, 1990). Despite greater VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values obtained during treadmill exercise, cycle ergometry has many advantages, including preference of subjects to use the cycle ergometer during a VO<sub>2<\/sub>max test, adaptability, safety, ease of calibration, and subjects&#8217; tolerance of non-weight-bearing exercise (Mckay and Banister, 1976; Pivarnik et al., 1988). Therefore, exercise scientists have continued to explore ways to manipulate cycle ergometry protocols to allow subjects to attain the highest possible &#8220;cycling&#8221; VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values (Faria et al., 1978; Heil, Derrick, and Whittlesey, 1997; Kelly et al., 1980; Lavoie et al., 1978; McKay and Banister, 1976; Moffat and Sparling, 1985; Nakadomo et al., 1987; Tanaka and Maeda, 1984; and Tanaka, Nakadomo, and Moritani, 1987).<\/p>\n<p>Montgomery et al. (1971) concluded, for five male subjects, that VO<sub>2<\/sub>max during standing cycle ergometry (57.35 ml\/kg\/min) was not significantly different than seated cycle ergometry (49.30 ml\/kg\/min). Tanaka et al. (1996) also found no significant differences between seated (66.4 \u00b1 1.6 ml\/kg\/min) and standing (66.4 \u00b1 1.7 ml\/kg\/min) VO<sub>2<\/sub>max during level cycle ergometry for seven competitive male cyclists. Conversely, in a sub-study, Tanaka et al. (1996) found, for seven male subjects cycling at a 4% incline, a greater VO<sub>2<\/sub>max (2.82%) for standing (56.8 \u00b1 0.9 ml\/kg\/min) vs. seated (55.2 \u00b1 0.9 ml\/kg\/min) cycle ergometry. Also, Ryschon and Stray-Gundersen (1991) concluded, with 10 cyclists (eight males and two females), that standing submax VO2 values were 10.8% higher than seated values during 4% incline standing cycling. Kelly et al. (1980) determined, for 12 male university students, that standing (57.91 \u00b1 5.74 ml\/kg\/min) during a cycle ergometry VO<sub>2<\/sub>max test produced a significantly greater (4.4%) VO<sub>2<\/sub>max compared to the seated position (55.12 \u00b1 6.98 ml\/kg\/min). Also, Nakadomo et al. (1986) concluded that, in 22 male subjects, VO<sub>2<\/sub>max was 17% higher while standing as compared to the seated position. Support of level standing cycling ergometry eliciting higher VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values continued when Tanaka et al. (1987) showed that 14 well-trained runners, 8 rowers, and 6 males of average fit attained higher VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values when standing as compared to seated cycle ergometry.<\/p>\n<p>Fitness level, as well as the type of athlete and gender, can affect VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values (Basset and Howely, 2000; and Foss and Keteyian, 1998). For example, trained cyclists achieve higher VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values during cycle ergometry compared to sedentary individuals and trained runners (Tanaka et al., 1996). This trained versus untrained comparison supports the notion that athletes who train in a certain mode of exercise can attain a higher VO<sub>2<\/sub>max in that specific mode (Fernhall and Kohrt, 1990; Ricci and Leger, 1983; Tanaka et al., 1996; and Verstappen et al., 1982). Also, males tend to have higher VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values than females due to greater lung capacity and greater amounts of hemoglobin (Foss and Keteyian, 1998). Subjects in previous studies varied in terms of fitness level and preferred mode of exercise, which may have influenced results.<\/p>\n<p>Another important component of cycle ergometry protocols is the revolutions per minute (rpm). As noted earlier, leg fatigue, particularly in the upper thigh, may cause an individual to finish a cycling GXT prematurely (McKay and Banister, 1976). Lower rpm tend to increase leg fatigue (Beasley et al., 1989). Typically, for untrained individuals, 40-60 rpm provide the most economical cadences, yet 80-120 rpm yield the greatest VO<sub>2<\/sub>max and lowest perceived leg fatigue at similar workloads (Beasley et al., 1989; and Marsh and Martin, 1993). Cyclists prefer to cycle at 90 rpm (Marsh and Martin, 1993). However, disparity does exist between the optimal cadences for trained and untrained individuals. Beasley et al. (1989) and Pivarnik et al. (1988) showed there were no differences in VO<sub>2<\/sub>max and peak HR at 50 rpm and 90 rpm with trained male subjects, while Coast, Cox, and Welch (1986) showed the most economic range of rpm for this group was 60-80. Swain et al (1992) determined that VO<sub>2<\/sub>max and HR were actually lower at higher (84) rpm vs lower (41) rpm. Hagan, Weis, and Raven (1992) concluded that, at higher rpm, (90 rpm vs 60 rpm) HR, V<sub>E<\/sub>, and cardiac output will be greater, while cycling economy decreases. In contrast to the results of Hagan et al. (1992), Nickleberry and Berry (1996) determined that recreational cyclists were able to increase their time to exhaustion by 6 minutes, while competitive cyclists continued for 8 minutes longer at 80 versus 50 rpm.<\/p>\n<p>In examining standing cycle ergometry, it may be prudent to recruit a more homogeneous group with respect to fitness and with representatives of both genders being tested. This process may improve validity in comparisons of standing and seated VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values, which can be applied to a larger population. Based on previous results, it is unclear whether standing VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values will be greater than seated VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values. In previous research, all standing cycling protocols varied in terms of when to stand during trials, duration of standing, protocol duration, cadence, fitness levels of subjects, and number of subjects. The differences among procedures and methodology may partially explain the contradictory results. Since equivocal results have occurred regarding standing cycle ergometry, the purpose of this study was to compare VO<sub>2<\/sub>max between standing and seated cycle ergometry protocols in female and male subjects.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Methodology:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Subjects included 14 males and 22 females. All were apparently-healthy volunteers from 18-28 years of age. Subjects were of average fitness abilities. All subjects were made aware of the risks and requirements of participating in the study and all signed a written informed consent prior to any testing. To ensure the safety of the subjects, individuals were required to complete a physical-activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q) and a health status questionnaire prior to data collection.<\/p>\n<p>Subjects were tested on a model 824E Monark Cycle Ergometer. Each subject wore a Hans Rudolph facemask with expired gas being collected and VO<sub>2<\/sub> being analyzed by a Sensormedics 2900 Metabolic Measurement System. Individuals also wore a Polar Heart Rate Monitor (Model Polar Beat HRM) to determine exercise heart rate. Body-fat percentage was determined using Lange skinfold calipers with a 3-site skinfold method. Weight and height were measured using a detecto balance type scale with an attached measuring rod.<\/p>\n<p>Descriptive data was collected immediately prior to the initial VO<sub>2<\/sub>max test.<br \/>\nAfter subjects reported to the lab, an explanation of the study was provided and the initial screening procedures were administered. Instructions regarding the exercise trial were also provided to the subjects. Subjects were then assessed for height, body weight, and body-fat percentage using a 3-site skinfold technique (Pollock, Schmidt, and Jackson, 1980).<\/p>\n<p>Subjects underwent two VO<sub>2<\/sub>max tests (SIT and STD) on a cycle ergometer. Because subjects were of average fitness, cadence was set at 60 rpm for the duration of the tests (Beasley et al., 1989; and Marsh and Martin, 1993). Initially, subjects warmed up at a resistance of 30 watts for four minutes at 60 rpm. Every minute thereafter, resistance was increased by 30 watts until the subjects reached volitional exhaustion. SIT required each individual to stay seated until the test was terminated (at volitional exhaustion), while STD required individuals to stand at the point at which they felt they could no longer continue in a seated position. They continued to perform &#8220;standing cycling&#8221; to volitional exhaustion. All tests were stopped when subjects reached volitional exhaustion or when testers felt it was not safe for the subjects to continue. At the completion of each VO<sub>2<\/sub>max test, subjects were monitored during a low intensity cool-down. SIT and STD lasted approximately 7 to 15 minutes and were completed in a counterbalanced order on two separate days with three to seven days between each session.<\/p>\n<p>Expiratory gas was analyzed using a Sensormedics 2900 Metabolic cart, which was calibrated prior to each test using a three-liter syringe and gases of known concentration. The system provided updates of metabolic data (VO2, VO<sub>E<\/sub>, RER) every 20 seconds. Also, a Polar Heart Rate monitor was used to monitor heart rate response (HR) every 60 seconds. Heart rate, VO<sub>2<\/sub>max, RER, and VO<sub>E<\/sub> were compared between SIT and STD. The highest observed values for metabolic data were considered &#8220;max&#8221; values for each respective cycle ergometry trial. The criteria for achieving a &#8220;true&#8221; VO<sub>2<\/sub>max were a) failure of HR to increase with further increases in exercise intensity, b) RER exceeded +1.15, and c) a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of more than 17 (Balady et al., 2000). In the present study, meeting two out of the three criteria satisfied the requirement for achieving a &#8220;true&#8221; VO<sub>2<\/sub>max. VO<sub>2<\/sub>max, HR, RER, and VO<sub>E<\/sub> were analyzed using a multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance (MANOVA). Mean time to exhaustion for STD and SIT were compared using a paired t-test. Results were considered significant at p \u2264 0.05.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Results:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Descriptive characteristics of all subjects are displayed in Table 1. Physiological responses to seated and standing cycle ergometry are presented in Table 2. Percent increases of standing cycle ergometry are found in Table 3. The results suggest that VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>STD<\/sub> was significantly greater than VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>SIT<\/sub> with a mean difference of 1.1 ml\/kg\/min. Also, HR<sub>STD<\/sub> was significantly greater than HR<sub>SIT<\/sub> with a mean difference of 2.4 b\/min. For VO<sub>E<\/sub>, VE<sub>STD<\/sub> was not significantly different (p = 0.08) than VE<sub>SIT<\/sub>. However, RER<sub>SIT<\/sub> was significantly greater than RER<sub>STD<\/sub>.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding mean time to exhaustion, subjects cycled 10:15 \u00b1 2:21 minutes during SIT, with individuals cycling between 7-15 minutes. Although the difference only approached significance (p = 0.064), subjects were able to cycle on average 11 seconds longer (10:26 \u00b1 2:06 minutes) during STD, with participants cycling between 7:20, and 15:20. When subjects were in the standing position, the mean duration of standing cycle ergometry time to volitional exhaustion was 50.42 \u00b1 15.57 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>Table 1: Descriptive Characteristics of Subjects (n=36)-Values are means and standard deviations.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<th>Males (n=14)<\/th>\n<th>Females (n=22)<\/th>\n<th>All Subjects<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Age (years)<\/th>\n<td>23.07 \u00b1 2.97<\/td>\n<td>19.73 \u00b1 1.20<\/td>\n<td>21.03 \u00b1 2.63<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Height (inches)<\/th>\n<td>70.93 \u00b1 3.17<\/td>\n<td>65.59 \u00b1 2.11<\/td>\n<td>67.67 \u00b1 3.66<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Weight (lbs)<\/th>\n<td>190.14 \u00b1 23.36<\/td>\n<td>139.00 \u00b1 15.79<\/td>\n<td>158.89 \u00b1 31.49<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Body Fat (%)<\/th>\n<td>10.90 \u00b1 4.45<\/td>\n<td>21.41 \u00b1 4.20<\/td>\n<td>17.33 \u00b1 6.71<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Table 2: Physiological Responses during SIT and STD-Values are means and standard deviations. * Significantly different (p \u2264 0.05) (STD versus SIT)<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<th>VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<br \/>\n(ml\/kg\/min)<\/th>\n<th>HR<br \/>\n(b\/min)<\/th>\n<th>VO<sub>E<\/sub><br \/>\n(L\/min)<\/th>\n<th>RER<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>SIT<\/th>\n<td>36.82 \u00b1 6.63<\/td>\n<td>187.3 \u00b1 9.6<\/td>\n<td>82.64 \u00b1 26.77<\/td>\n<td>1.23 \u00b1 0.065<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>STD<\/th>\n<td>37.93 \u00b1 8.01*<\/td>\n<td>189.7 \u00b1 9.5*<\/td>\n<td>86.02 \u00b1 31.64<\/td>\n<td>1.21 \u00b1 0.096*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Table 3: Percent Increases for Standing Cycle Ergometry<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<th>Mean Percent<br \/>\nIncrease<\/th>\n<th>Range of Percent<br \/>\nIncrease<\/th>\n<th>Standard<br \/>\nDeviation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<\/th>\n<td>2.0%<\/td>\n<td>-16.9% to +13.7%<\/td>\n<td>+ 6.6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>HR<\/th>\n<td>1.2%<\/td>\n<td>-5.6% to +7.4%<\/td>\n<td>+ 2.9%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>VO<sub>E<\/sub><\/th>\n<td>0.8%<\/td>\n<td>-38.1% to +41.7%<\/td>\n<td>+ 17.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>RER<\/th>\n<td>-2.3%<\/td>\n<td>-16.4% to +13.6%<\/td>\n<td>+ 6.6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Discussion:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Finding ways to achieve the highest cycling VO<sub>2<\/sub>max has important implications in exercise prescription, fitness evaluation, and cycling performance and training. Therefore, the results of the current study examined whether standing cycling VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values are significantly greater than seated VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values, which might support the use of a standing cycle ergometer protocol for all cycle ergometry Graded Exercise Tests (GXT) in exercise science and sport-performance laboratories. The use of such a protocol may generate the highest cycle ergometry VO<sub>2<\/sub>max values. In terms of gender, prior research has tested only male subjects. Therefore, it was of practical importance to administer the standing and seated cycle ergometry protocol to female subjects in the current study.<\/p>\n<p>Previous results regarding standing cycle ergometry have been equivocal. Kelly et al. (1980), Nakadomo et al. (1987), and Tanaka et al. (1987) showed significantly greater standing VO<sub>2<\/sub>max, while Montgomery et al. (1971), and Tanaka et al. (1996) showed no significant differences in seated and standing VO<sub>2<\/sub>max. Similar to the results of Kelly et al. (1980), Tanaka et al. (1987), and Nakadomo et al. (1987), as well as Tanaka et al. (1996), the current results suggest that VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>STD<\/sub> and HR<sub>STD<\/sub> are significantly greater than VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>SIT<\/sub> and HR<sub>SIT<\/sub> (Table 2).<\/p>\n<p>The current study showed a significantly greater (2.0%) VO<sub>2<\/sub>max and a significantly greater (1.2%) HR during STD compared to SIT. The greater VO<sub>2<\/sub>max and HR during STD can be explained by a variety of reasons. Based on previous research, it is likely that with greater force production, a larger amount of muscle mass was involved during STD (McLester, Green, and Chouinard, 2004; Nordeen-Strider, 1977). Also, standing during STD may have activated more muscle mass, as the legs supported the individual&#8217;s body weight as opposed to being supported by the saddle during SIT (Nakadomo et al., 1987; Ryschon and Stray-Gundersen, 1991; and Tanaka et al., 1987). Also, as noted by Ryschon and Stray-Gundersen (1991), and Tanaka et al. (1987), during standing cycle ergometry, the upper body is involved to a greater degree in torso stabilization and purposeful side-side rocking, compared to seated cycling. Kelly et al. (1980) and Ryschon and Stray-Gundersen (1991) suggested the standing cycle ergometry protocol provides more extensive involvement of the arm and leg muscles, eliciting greater blood flow and higher work output and contributing to a higher peak HR and VO<sub>2<\/sub>max, which may have also contributed to the findings of the current study.<\/p>\n<p>Tanaka et al. (1987) suggested that decreases in subject cycling economy and attenuated leg fatigue might also explain the greater VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>STD<\/sub> and HR<sub>STD<\/sub>. Ryschon and Stray-Gundersen (1991) note that greater cardiorespiratory and metabolic requirements of the standing position decreases the efficiency of the rider, yet provides an increase in the total work output. For leg fatigue, subjects in the current study often verbally reported feelings of intense local discomfort and fatigue in the region of the quadriceps muscle when in the seated position and near or at volitional exhaustion. This leg fatigue and discomfort, coupled with gradual increases in resistance, may have limited the ability of the subject to continue cycling in the seated position (Nakadomo et al., 1987; Tanaka and Maeda, 1984; and Tanaka et al., 1987). However, many subjects verbally reported that at the onset of standing cycling, leg fatigue and local discomfort was comparatively less than during seated cycling, which could have accounted for the extended time to fatigue during STD (Ryschon and Stray-Gundersen, 1991; and Tanaka et al., 1987). Variations in perceived feelings might have been due to the redistribution of the workload over a greater muscle mass and alterations in the muscle recruitment pattern (Ryschon and Stray-Gundersen, 1991).<\/p>\n<p>Another factor that may have contributed to greater VO<sub>2<\/sub>max during STD is the increase in joint angles when the individual comes out of the saddle and performs standing cycling. When standing, the hip, knee, and ankle joint excursions increase, which provides a greater range of motion within the respective joints (Nordeen-Snyder, 1977). Although not measured in the current study, it is possible that increases in the hip, knee, and ankle joint angles allowed for a more advantageous muscular force production and subsequent extended time to fatigue (Heil, Derrick, and Whittlesey, 1997; Nordeen-Snyder, 1977; and Shennum and deVries, 1976).<\/p>\n<p>Millet et al. (2002), Tanaka et al. (1996), and Ryschon and Stray-Gundersen (1991) showed greater standing cycle ergometry HR. Although those differences occurred during a 4% incline protocol, significantly greater HR (1.2%) occurred during the current study, which utilized a level protocol. The extended time to fatigue allowed by standing may have attributed to a higher HR because earlier termination of the test due to leg fatigue and discomfort may have interfered with attainment of a true max HR.<\/p>\n<p>Although only approaching significance (p = 0.08), an 0.83% greater VO<sub>E<\/sub> occurred during STD compared to SIT. The increases in VO<sub>E<\/sub> can be attributed to some of the reasons that likely contributed to a greater VO<sub>2<\/sub>max during standing cycle ergometry. Generally when VO<sub>E<\/sub> increases, so too does VO<sub>2<\/sub> (Foss and Keteyian, 1998).<\/p>\n<p>As previously mentioned, when an individual leaves the seated cycle ergomerty position to stand, a greater involvement of upper and lower body muscle mass occurs. The activation of more muscle mass may allow for greater work output (Reiser, et al., 2002), which increases oxygen requirements of the muscles. In turn, ventilation increases. Cardiac output is also increased when participating in the standing position, which contributes to higher VO<sub>2<\/sub>max and VO<sub>E<\/sub> (Kelly et al., 1980). Also, because lower leg fatigue may be altered in the standing position, VO<sub>E<\/sub> increases, and subjects are able to extend time to exhaustion.<\/p>\n<p>For RER, SIT showed a significantly greater (2.3%) RER as compared to STD. Although SIT produced significantly greater RER compared to STD, the difference was of little practical significance. All RER values in both STD and SIT surpassed the criteria indicative of a &#8220;true&#8221; VO<sub>2<\/sub>max (+1.15).<\/p>\n<p>The current study showed that VO<sub>2<\/sub>max<sub>STD<\/sub> and HR<sub>STD<\/sub> were significantly greater compared to SIT. However, despite the significant differences, it is important to note that discrepancies between the present study and previous studies (Montgomery et al., 1971 and Tanaka et al., 1996) could be a result of the protocol differences, variations in fitness levels, and low subject numbers. Many subjects benefited from the STD protocol as 20 of 36 (55.6%) individuals had greater VO<sub>2<\/sub>max (up to 13.6%) and 25 of 36 (69.4%) subjects had greater peak HR (up to 7.4%). While means were significantly different, it should be noted that inter-individual variability was high. Some subjects had a much lower VO<sub>2<\/sub>max during STD. Differentiating between those who respond positively and those who respond negatively to a standing protocol is difficult and was beyond the scope of the current study.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conclusions:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The results of the current study support previous findings, showing a greater VO<sub>2<\/sub>max during standing versus seated cycle ergometry (Kelly et al., 1980; Nakadomo et al., 1987; and Tanaka et al., 1987). Results of the current study also show significantly greater HR<sub>STD<\/sub>. The current results support the use of a test protocol that allows an individual to stand during a cycle ergometry GXT. Therefore, since a higher VO<sub>2<\/sub>max value was elicited using the standing protocol in the current study, a standing protocol should be considered for implementation when individuals are assessed for cardiorespiratory responses to maximal work using cycle ergometry. Future research should seek to determine characteristics of subjects who do\/do not benefit from a standing versus seated protocol.<\/p>\n<p><strong>References:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Basset, D. R., and Howley, E. T. (2000). Limiting factors for maximum oxygen uptake and determinants of endurance performance. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32<\/em>, 70-84.<\/p>\n<p>Beasley, J. C., Fernhall, B., and Plowman, S. (1989). Effects of optimized and standard cycling ergometry on VO<sub>2<\/sub>max in trained cyclists and runners. <em>Research Quarterly For Exercise and Sport, 60<\/em>, 373-378.<\/p>\n<p>Coast, J. R., Cox, R. H., and Welch, H. G. (1986). Optimal pedaling rate in prolonged bouts of cycle ergometry. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 18<\/em>, 225-230.<\/p>\n<p>Faria, I., Dix, C., and Frazer, C. (1978). Effect of body position during cycling on heart rate, pulmonary ventilation, oxygen uptake, and work output. <em>Journal of Sports Medicine, 18<\/em>, 49-56.<\/p>\n<p>Fernhall, B., and Kohrt, W. (1990). The effect of training specificity on maximal and submaximal physiological responses to treadmill and cycle ergometry. <em>The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 30<\/em>, 268-275.<\/p>\n<p>Foss, M. L., and Keteyian, S. J. (1998). <em>Fox&#8217;s Physiological Basis for Exercise and Sport<\/em>. Ann Arbor, MI: McGraw-Hill.<\/p>\n<p>Hagan, R. D., Weis, S. E., and Raven, P. B. (1992). Effect of pedal rate on cardiorespiratory responses during continuous exercise. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 24<\/em>, 1088-1095.<\/p>\n<p>Heil, D. P., Derrick, T. R., and Whittlesey, S. (1997). The relationship between preferred and optimal positioning during submaximal cycle ergometry. <em>European Journal of Applied Physiology, 75<\/em>, 160-165.<\/p>\n<p>Kelly, J. M., Serfass, C., and Stull, G. A. (1980). Elicitation of maximal oxygen uptake from standing bicycle ergometry. <em>Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 51<\/em>, 315-322.<\/p>\n<p>Lavoie, N. F., Mahony, M. D., and Marmelic, L. S. (1978). Maximal oxygen uptake on a bicycle ergometer without toe stirrups and with toe stirrups versus a treadmill. <em>Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences, 3<\/em>, 99-102.<\/p>\n<p>Marsh, A. P., and Martin, P. E. (1993). The association between cycling experience and preferred and most economical cadences. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 11<\/em>, 1269-1274.<\/p>\n<p>McArdle, W. D., Katch, F. I., and Katch, V. L. (2006). <em>Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance, 6th edition<\/em>. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins.<\/p>\n<p>McKay, G. A., and Banister, E. W. (1976). A comparison of maximal oxygen uptake determination by cycle ergometry at various pedaling frequencies and by treadmill running at various speeds. <em>European Journal of Applied Physiology, 35<\/em>, 191-200.<\/p>\n<p>McLester, J.R., Green, J.M., and Chouinard, J.L. (2004). Effects of standing vs. seated posture on repeated wingate performance. <em>Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 18<\/em>, 816-820.<\/p>\n<p>Millet, G.P., Tronche, C., Fuster, N., and Candau, R. (2002). Level ground and uphill cycling efficiency in seated and standing positions. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34<\/em>, 1645-1652.<\/p>\n<p>Moffat, R. S., and Sparling, P. B. (1985). Effect of toe clips during bicycle ergometry on VO<sub>2<\/sub>max. <em>Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 56<\/em>, 54-57.<\/p>\n<p>Montgomery, S., Titlow, L. W., and Johnson, D. J. (1971). Estimation of maximal oxygen consumption from a stand-up bicycle test. <em>Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 18<\/em>, 271-276.<\/p>\n<p>Nakadomo, F., Tanaka, K., Watanabe, H., and Fukuda, T. (1987). Maximal oxygen uptake measured during standing cycling with toe-stirrups. <em>Kyoiku Igaku, 31<\/em>, 18-23.<\/p>\n<p>Nickleberry, B. L., and Brooks, G. A. (1996). No effect of cycling experience on leg cycle ergometer efficiency. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28<\/em>, 1396-1401.<\/p>\n<p>Nordeen-Snyder, K. S. (1977). The effect of bicycle seat height variation upon oxygen consumption and lower limb kinematics. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 9<\/em>, 113-117.<\/p>\n<p>Pivarnik, J. M., Mountain, S. J., Graves, J. E., and Pollock, M. L. (1988). Effects of pedal speed during incremental cycle ergometer exercise. <em>Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 59<\/em>, 73-77.<\/p>\n<p>Pollock, M. L., Schmidt, D. H., and Jackson, A. S. (1980). Measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in the clinical setting. <em>Comprehensive Therapy, 6<\/em>, 12-27.<\/p>\n<p>Reiser, R.F., Maines, J.M., Eisenmann, J.C., and Wilkinson, J.G. (2002). Standing and seated wingate protocols in human cycling: a comparison of standard parameters. <em>European Journal of Applied Physiology, 88<\/em>, 152-157.<\/p>\n<p>Ricci, J., and Leger, L. A. (1983). VO<sub>2<\/sub>max of cyclists from treadmill, bicycle ergometer, and velodrome tests. <em>European Journal of Applied Physiology, 50<\/em>, 283-289.<\/p>\n<p>Ryschon, T. W., and Stray-Gundersen, J. (1991). The effect of body position on the energy cost of cycling. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 23<\/em>, 949-953.<\/p>\n<p>Shennum, P. L., and deVries, H. A. (1976). The effect of saddle height on oxygen consumption during bicycle ergometer work. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 8<\/em>, 119-121.<\/p>\n<p>Swain DP, and Wilcox JP (1992). Effect of cadence on the economy of uphill cycling. <em>Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 24<\/em>: 1123-1127<\/p>\n<p>Tanaka, H., Bassett, D. R., Best, S. K., and Baker, K. R. (1996). Seated versus standing cycling in competitive road cyclists: uphill climbing and maximal oxygen uptake. <em>Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 21<\/em>, 149-154.<\/p>\n<p>Tanaka, K., and Maeda, K. (1984). A comparison of maximal oxygen uptake during standing cycling and uphill running. <em>Japanese Journal of Applied Physiology, 14<\/em>, 215-219.<\/p>\n<p>Tanaka, K., Nakadomo, F., and Moritani, T. (1987). Effects of standing cycling and the use of toe stirrups on maximal oxygen uptake. <em>European Journal of Applied Physiology, 56<\/em>, 699-703.<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen, F. T. J., Huppertz, R. M., and Snoeckx, L. H. E. H. (1982). Effect of training specificity on maximal treadmill and bicycle ergometer exercise. <em>International Journal of Sports Medicine, 3<\/em>, 43-46.<\/p>\n<p>Welbergen, E., and Clijsen, L. P. V. M. (1990). The influence of body position on maximal performance in cycling. <em>European Journal of Applied Physiology, 61<\/em>, 138-142.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"submitted\">Submitted by: A. Bosak, J. Green, T. Crews &amp; R. Deere<\/div>\n<p><strong>Abstract:<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_options":[]},"categories":[290,295,292,296],"tags":[76,79,8,23],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4btio-4z","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":201,"url":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/compatibility-of-adaptive-responses-with-hybrid-simultaneous-resistance-and-aerobic-training\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":0},"title":"Compatibility of Adaptive Responses With Hybrid Simultaneous Resistance and Aerobic Training","date":"June 5, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Submitted by: Don Melrose Ph.D. CSCS & Ronald G. Knowlton Ph.D. FACSM ABSTRACT","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Contemporary Sports Issues&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"Figure One","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/03\/figure1.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":428,"url":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/usefulness-of-bioelectrical-impedance-in-the-prediction-of-vo2max-in-healthy-men-and-women\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":1},"title":"Usefulness of Bioelectrical Impedance in the Prediction of VO2max in Healthy Men and Women","date":"July 27, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Jordan R. Moon, Vincent J. Dalbo, Michael D. Roberts, Chad M. Kerksick, and Jeffrey R. Stout ### Abstract VO2max is an invaluable measure for the assessment of aerobic fitness; however, to yield accurate results direct assessment requires costly equipment, trained investigators, and that the participant produce a maximal effort to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Contemporary Sports Issues&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":440,"url":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/rowing-ergometer-physiological-tests-do-not-predict-on-water-performance\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":2},"title":"Rowing Ergometer Physiological Tests do not Predict On-Water Performance","date":"January 2, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Ed McNeely ### Abstract Many studies have examined the relationship between 2000m rowing ergometer performance and physiological variables, often suggesting that rowing ergometer performance models can be used to predict on-water performance. While studies have examined the kinematic, oxygen consumption, and electromyography similarities between rowing ergometry and on-water rowing, this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports Exercise Science&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8377,"url":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/establishing-normative-reference-values-for-the-utah-seated-medicine-ball-throw-protocol-in-adolescents\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":3},"title":"Establishing Normative Reference Values for the Utah Seated Medicine Ball Throw Protocol in Adolescents","date":"October 7, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Authors: Cory Biggar, Abigail Larson, and Mark DeBeliso Corresponding Author: Cory Biggar164 East 2300 North, Apt. 5North Ogden, UT 84414Email: corybiggar@gmail.com801-831-1342 Cory Biggar is a student at Southern Utah University. Upon the completion of this project, he will earn an MS in Sports Conditioning and Performance. Establishing Normative Reference Values\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Research&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"Table 1. Previous research using the SMBT as a measure of upper-body power Population Age (Years) Results Untrained Women (25) 55-64 Upper-body power correlates with average distance (p","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Biggar-Table-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":309,"url":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/parameters-that-influence-vertical-jump-height\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":4},"title":"Parameters That Influence Vertical Jump Height","date":"July 7, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Submitted by: Dawn T. Gulick, James Fagnani, Matthew Long, Kenneth Morris, and Brian Hartzell - Widener University; Marcia Epler - Lebanon Valley College Abstract Plyometric activities use rapid switching from eccentric to concentric contractions to increase speed or force of muscle contractions. Training the stretch-shorten cycle by jumping enhances athletic\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports Coaching&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"Figure 1","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/07\/Figure-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":486,"url":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/static-stretching-versus-dynamic-warm-up-the-effect-on-choice-reaction-time-as-measured-by-the-makoto-arena-ii\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":5},"title":"Static Stretching Versus Dynamic Warm Up: The Effect on Choice Reaction Time as Measured by the Makoto Arena II","date":"December 21, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Amber Magner, Kristi Chatham, Brandon Spradley, Sutthanuch Wiriyapinit, William Price, Thad Akins ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine whether a dynamic warm up or static stretching had a greater impact on choice reaction time. Methods: Nine recreationally trained subjects (5 males, 4 females) performed single-step choice\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports Coaching&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=283"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":885,"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283\/revisions\/885"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}