Abstract
[Purpose] This study investigated the ideal reclining angle for bicycle ergometry in relation to individuals’ anaerobic thresholds (AT) and hemodynamics. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 14 sedentary healthy men with a mean age of 20.8 years, mean body mass of 64.5 kg, mean height of 171.1 cm and a mean body mass index of 22.0 kg/m2. Reclining angles of 20°, 45° and 70° were used, and hemodynamic changes were measured until AT was reached. [Results] Compared to the resting period, mean blood pressure at a reclining angle of 70° was significantly increased, and sympathetic nerve activity at 20°. Oxygen intake increased significantly at 45° and 70° compared with that of 20°. [Conclusion] A reclining angle of 45° may be the most efficient. For hypotensive individuals elevating the legs is desirable, while the gravity-dependent position is best for normal and hypertensive individuals.
