Estimation of % (V)over-dot-O-2 reserve from heart rate during arm exercise and running

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationship be tween the percent heart rate reserve (%HRR) in arm exercise and the corresp onding percent oxygen uptake ((V) over dot O-2) reserve, and to compare thi s relationship to that occurring in running. Fourteen male physical educati on students took part in the study. Each subject performed a maximal runnin g exercise test and a maximal arm cycling test. The subjects also performed three submaximal exercise bouts (in both exercise modes) at 30%, 60% and 8 0% of their HRR. The subjects were monitored for their heart rate (HR) at r est, maximal HR (HRmax), HR at submaximal work loads, maximal (V) over dot O-2 ((V) over dot O-2 max), (V) over dot O-2 at rest and (V) over dot O-2 a t submaximal loads. For each subject, load and exercise mode, %HRR and %(V) over dot O-2 reserve were calculated (from HRmax and (V) over dot O-2max a s measured during running and arm cycling) and the relationship between the two was evaluated. The main finding of the present investigation is that t he prediction of %(V) over dot O-2 reserve in arm cycling from %HRR is gros sly overestimated when calculated from HRmax and (V) over dot O-2max measur ed during running. The prediction is better but still overestimated when ca lculated from HRmax and (V) over dot O-2max measured during arm cycling. Th e findings indicate a better prediction of %(V) over dot O-2 reserve from % HRR for running than for arm exercise. These findings should be taken into consideration when prescribing the target HR for arm training.