Influence of crank rate on the slow component of pulmonary O2 uptake during heavy arm crank exercise

Abstract

This study investigated how variations in crank rate (50 vs. 90 rpm) influenced primary and secondary oxygen uptake kinetics during arm crank ergometry. Changes in crank rate did not influence primary oxygen uptake kinetics, but 50 rpm resulted in a significantly larger slow component of oxygen uptake. It was speculated that the greater slow component at 50 rpm was related to a greater and earlier contribution of type II muscle fibres and an earlier involvement of other synergistic muscle groups. Smith conceived the idea, assisted in collecting and analysing the data, and wrote a substantial portion of the paper.