Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the oxygen uptake(VO_2), heart rate(HR), and blood pressure responses between cycling and walking at sub maxim al intensities in older adults. Twenty-one subjects walked onthe treadmill and exercised on the stationary cycling ergometer at three intensities(walking at 50 m/min, 70 m/min and 90 m/min; cycling at 45 W, 60 W, and 75 W) for 5 minutes. When analysis of covariance was used to statistically control for differences in HR at a given V0_2, there were significant differences in V0_2 for each exercise mode. No significant differences, however, were observed in these physiological parameters between the two exercises at the same intensity (lactate threshold level) in older adults. The data indicate that the physiological responses to walking and cycling at light to moderate intensities are similar in older adults.
