Effects of Pedaling Speed on Cardiovascular System in Healthy Thai Female Aged 18-23 Years

Abstract

Background: The more speed used during bicycle ergometer exercise at the same power output lead to the more energy expenditure in which the differences in physiological responses, especially the cardiovascular system, may occur as a results. Therefore, finding of the different responses to selected speed can be used as a basic knowledge for prescribing the safe exercise program for the patients.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pedaling speed during bicycle ergometer exercise on cardiovascular response in healthy Thai female.

Method: Thirty healthy female aged between 18-23 years old were participated in this study. Subjects exercised by bicycle ergometer in two pedaling speed; 30 round per minute (rpm) and 60 rpm in separated days. Heart rates were recorded during exercise session in order to determine the cardiovascular response to exercise. Pair t-test were used to analyze the difference in heart rate response between two pedaling speed at the same time point.

Results: There is no significant difference in cardiovascular response during exercise between two speeds. However, the changes in heart rate response during exercise at 60 rpm seem to have a greater change compare to exercise at 30 rpm.

Conclusion: The faster pedaling speed performed during exercise tends to cause more cardiovascular response during exercise.

Key words: Exercise, Bicycle ergometer, Cardiovascular system