We have already reported that the one-leg cycling test driven by the subjec
t's sound leg as the exercise load test is effective in measuring the anaer
obic threshold (AT) of unilateral lower limb amputees. The aim of this rese
arch is to investigate whether or not endurance training based on each subj
ect's AT gained from the one-leg cycling test is useful in improving the ph
ysical fitness of lower limb amputees. The test subjects were all unilatera
l transfemoral amputees comprising a group of 14 undertaking endurance trai
ning and a control group of 10. The form of endurance training is driving a
n ergometer with the sound limb only in the same way as the load test. The
training program was designed so that the subjects would exercise at a targ
et heart rate corresponding to AT point for 30 minutes per day, 3-5 days ea
ch week for 6 weeks. After the training periods, in the training subjects t
he AT and maximum oxygen uptake (_O-2max) increased significantly. The rate
of increase averaged 36.5%, 26.0%, respectively, compared to their levels
before the training. On the contrary, no changes occurred in the control su
bjects. These results suggest that our chosen training program based on eac
h subject's AT is effective in improving the physical fitness of lower limb
amputees.