Comparison of Respiratory and Cardiovascular Responses During Arm Elevation Exercise in Unilateral and Bilateral Arms

Abstract

The purposes of this study were 1) to compare respiratory and cardiovascular responses during arm elevation exercise in unilateral and bilateral arms and 2) to clarify the effect of change in respiratory pattern on respiratory and cardiovascular responses during both exercises of twelve healthy young volunteers, respiratory and cardiovascular responses were examined during two exercises. In both exercises breathing patterns consisted of two conditions; natural breathing and breathing with an extended expiration time. The results were as follows: In both arm elevation exercises, respiratory and cardiovascular responses were stronger under breathing with an extended expiration time than under natural breathing. Oxygen consumption (VO2/kg) tended to be higher during bilateral arm elevation exercise, but under the breathing with an extended expiration time, there was no difference between the exercises. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was higher during unilateral arm elevation. There results suggest that unilateral arm elevation exercise may induce less load to respiratory and cardiovascular system than bilateral arm exercise, under the condition muscle strength of upper extremity are sufficiently maintained. In addition, breathing with an extended expiration time may contribute to decline of oxygen demand during bilateral arm elevation exercise. © 2003, The Society of Physical Therapy Science. All rights reserved.