Individualization of training in trained elderly: comparison of the cardiorespiratory responses between cycle and rowing ergometers

Aim. – A comparison of cycle and rowing ergometer, the heart rate values at ventilatory threshold 1 (SV1) for healthy elderly people. The derived regression between the two ergometers would make it possible to carry out only one test on either ergometer to set individualized training loads.Methods. – A group of 18 healthy subjects aged 64.4 ± 4.7 years carried out two triangular tests on cycle ergometer and rowing ergometer.Results. – At SV1, heart rate was not significantly different between the two ergometers (118.3 ± 13.0 batt.min–1 on cycle ergometer; 120.9 ± 15.3 batt.min–1 on rowing ergometer) and no difference either for the oxygen uptake (17.1 ± 6.2 ml.min–1.kg–1 on cycle ergometer; 17.8 ± 6.2 ml.min–1.kg–1 on rowing ergometer). On cycling and rowing ergometers, at maximum exercise, the maximum oxygen uptake and maximum ventilatory did not present a significant difference and were represented, respectively, by: 26.5 ± 8.7, 26.1 ± 7.7 ml.min–1.kg–1 and 69.5 ± 8.7, 70.3 ± 7.7 l.min–1.Conclusion. – There was no differences between HR at SV1, no regressions necessary to estimate one HR value from the other and, only one ergometer test is necessary to determine individualized training HR at SV1 in elderly people. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]