WOrk Intensity During Pedal-Stepping Exercise Determined Using a Stair Simulator Based on Vertical Velocity

A study was conducted to ascertain the relationship between oxygen uptake(Vo2)and vertical ve1‡tity using a pedal-stepping stair simulator. Ten healthy volunteers performed fbur kinds of graded exercise using a stair simulator(SS), whose pitches were set at 80, 100, and 120 beat•min-1, and also an electrically braked bicycle ergometer(BE). Work rat on the SS was detemined on the basis of the vertical pedal velocity, in accord with the climbing velocity for stairs. The incremental rate was set at O.34 W•kg-1 every 3 min. Heart rate and Vo2 were measured during the final minute of every stage. Both heart rate and Vo2 during SS were significantly lower than those on BE at the same level of work intensity.