Treadmill vs Steptreadmill Ergometry.

In brief: Eighteen college students were tested in five stages on both a treadmill and a revolving stair ergometer. The researchers found no significant differences in peak responses between the two modes-as measured by oxygen consumption, heart rate, ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, and work time. However, during submaximal exercise in stages I and II, the values for heart rate and oxygen consumption were higher for stair-climbing subjects than for treadmill subjects. These findings support the use of revolving stair ergometers for testing and/or training healthy young adults.