Vol 13, Issue 2

Physiological Responses to Counterweighted Single-Leg Cycling in Older Males

February 15, 2020 - By 

Authors

Phil LaScola, Kent State University
C. Eric Heidorn, Kent State University
Brandon Pollock, Kent State University
Keith Burns, Kent State University
John McDaniel, Kent State University
International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 1487-1500, 2020.
DOI: 10.70252/PCCP9259

Abstract

Single-leg cycling (SLC) allows for a greater muscle specific exercise capacity and therefore provides a greater stimulus for metabolic and vascular adaptations compared to double-leg cycling (DLC). The purpose of this investigation was to compare the cardiovascular, peripheral, and metabolic responses of counterweighted (10kg) SLC to DLC in a healthy older male population. Eleven males (56-86 years) performed two cycling modalities consisting of DLC and SLC. For each modality, participants performed 4-minute cycling trials (60rpm) at three work rates (25, 50, 75W). Repeated measures ANOVAs and paired samples T-test (α=0.05) were used to assess differences in physiological and perceptual responses. Heart rate (100±21 vs. 103±20bpm), oxygen uptake (12.1±3.6 vs. 11.7±2.8mL*kg-1*min-1) and mean arterial pressure (104±13 vs. 108±12mmHg) were not different between DLC and SLC, respectively. Femoral blood flow was greater during SLC at 50W (741.4±290.3 vs. 509.0±230.8mL/min) and 75W (993.8±236.2 vs. 680.6±278.0mL/min) (p≤0.01). Furthermore, carbohydrate oxidation during SLC was 30-40% greater than DLC across work rates (p≤0.011). Whole body rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at 25 and 50W were not different (p=0.065), however, whole body RPE at 75W and leg RPE were higher for SLC at all intensities (p≤0.018). Liking scores were not different between cycling modalities (p=0.060). At low and moderate intensities, SLC provides a greater peripheral stress with no difference in cardiovascular responses compared to DLC in a healthy older adult male population. Thus, SLC may be a feasible exercise modality to maximize peripheral adaptations for healthy and diseased (i.e. peripheral vascular disease/cardiovascular disease) older population.

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