title: Influence of exercise type on metabolic cost and gross efficiency: elliptical trainer versus cycling trainer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Elliptical trainers are known as a good mean to develop physical fitness. However, the pedaling efficiency on an elliptical trainer has not been reported in the literature. The aim of the present study was to compare metabolic cost and gross efficiency for two different trainers - the elliptical trainer (ET) and the cycling trainer (CT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen participants were tested on ET and CT during two exercise sessions. Participants pedaled at 9 different power outputs for 3 minutes each. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Gross efficiency (GE) was calculated during the last 30s of each 3min period. Maximal aerobic power (MAP) was estimated for each participant for each condition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MAP was found to be significantly greater in CT (237±88W) compared to ET (151±51 W). Significant positive correlations were found between power output and VO2 in both CT (r=0.93) and ET conditions (r=0.97). Regarding the inter-individual variability in MAP, GE was significantly correlated to the relative power output (%MAP) (r=0.75 in CT and r=0.69 in ET).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The aim of the present study was to investigate metabolic demand of different exercise type using %MAP in each condition. The results confirmed that metabolic cost of ET was greater than CT at similar %MAP. Gross efficiency was lowered in ET condition compared to CT. This could be explained through the additional use of arms and the standing position during ET.
authors: Section of Movement Sciences, Department of Research and Development, Décathlon S.A., Villeneuve d'Ascq, France - cedric.morio@decathlon.com.
authors: Cédric
authors: C
authors: Morio
authors: Mohand
authors: M
authors: Haddoum
authors: Damien
authors: D
authors: Fournet
authors: Nils
authors: N
authors: Gueguen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011897:Random Allocation