Physiological and perceptual responses to graded treadmill and cycle exercise in male children

Physiological and perceptual responses at ventilatory threshold (VT) and Vover dotO(2) peak were examined in 10 male children (10.2 +/- 1.3 yrs) during graded treadmill and cycle exercise. Treadmill Vover dotO(2)peak (57.9 +/- 6.7 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1)) was higher (p < .05) than the cycle (51.7 +/- 7.7 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1)). Ventilation and heart rate (HR) were higher (p < .05) on the treadmill, while respiratory exchange ratio (RER), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), capillary blood lactate, and test duration were similar between tests. The Vover dotO(2) at VT was higher (p < .05) on the treadmill (36.7 +/- 4.6 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1)) than the cycle (32.5 +/- 4.4 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1)). When VT was expressed as a percentage of Vover dotO(2), peak, there was no difference (p > .05) between tests. The RPE at VT, HR at VT, and VT expressed as a percentage of HRpeak were also similar (p > .05) between tests. Similar to Vover dotO(2) peak, the Vover dot(2) at VT is dependent on the mode of exercise. However, when VT is expressed as a percentage of Vover dotO(2) peak, it is independent of testing modality. The RPE at VT appears to be linked to a percentage of Vover dotO(2) peak rather than an absolute Vover dotO(2).