Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) at two exercise intensities of elliptical trainer and treadmill tests. Methods: Fifteen female college students were recruited as subjects. Each subject performed exercise test at intensity of 60% maximal VO2 (VO2max) and 80% VO2max on elliptical trainer and treadmill. Two-way (two exercise facilities × time points) ANOVA was used for analyzing the responses in VO2 and HR. Results: At intensity of 80% VO2max, significant interaction was only found in HR (p < .05). Both protocols caused progressive increases in HR corresponding to exercise time. At intensity of 60% VO2max, there were no significant interaction effects. However, VO2 and HR at all time-points during treadmill test were significantly higher than those during elliptical trainer test (p < .05). Conclusion: At high exercise intensity (80% VO2max), non-significant difference was shown between treadmill test and elliptical trainer test while the HR revealed a progressive rise corresponding to exercise time. We suggested the low-impact elliptical trainer exercise can be an alternative option for women during high intensity exercise. At moderate intensity (60% VO2max), VO2 and HR during treadmill test were both higher than those during elliptical trainer test. Therefore, the treadmill exercise could effectively stimulate cardiopulmonary responses while the intensity is moderate.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) at two exercise intensities of elliptical trainer and treadmill tests. Methods: Fifteen female college students were recruited as subjects. Each subject performed exercise test at intensity of 60% maximal VO2 (VO2max) and 80% VO2max on elliptical trainer and treadmill. Two-way (two exercise facilities × time points) ANOVA was used for analyzing the responses in VO2 and HR. Results: At intensity of 80% VO2max, significant interaction was only found in HR (p < .05). Both protocols caused progressive increases in HR corresponding to exercise time. At intensity of 60% VO2max, there were no significant interaction effects. However, VO2 and HR at all time-points during treadmill test were significantly higher than those during elliptical trainer test (p < .05). Conclusion: At high exercise intensity (80% VO2max), non-significant difference was shown between treadmill test and elliptical trainer test while the HR revealed a progressive rise corresponding to exercise time. We suggested the low-impact elliptical trainer exercise can be an alternative option for women during high intensity exercise. At moderate intensity (60% VO2max), VO2 and HR during treadmill test were both higher than those during elliptical trainer test. Therefore, the treadmill exercise could effectively stimulate cardiopulmonary responses while the intensity is moderate.