A Study to Compare the effectiveness of Treadmill and Cycle Ergometer on Endurance in Normal Subjects

Objective: Endurance is the ability to work for prolonged period of time. Individuals of all ages can improve their general fitness & Endurance by participating in activities that include walking, biking, cycling, running, swimming, stair climbing, and weight training etc2. In rehabilitation centers we come across several patients for improvement of their general fitness & endurance. We used to give them training on Treadmill & Cycle Ergometer. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of treadmill with cycle ergometer on endurance in normal subjects.

Material and Method: Total 20 subjects divided in group A & group B (10 subjects in each group) Training using treadmill and cycle ergometer respectively was for continuous 30 days with progression regularly. 12 minute walk test walk distance was used to measure the endurance after training.

Results: There is no significant difference in effectiveness of treadmill & cycle ergometer on endurance in normal subjects. The value of tc obtained for walk distance for treadmill & cycle trainee is 0.1998 0.2

Conclusion: The study concluded that Bicycle Ergo meter is appropriate alternative to Treadmill for training in healthy volunteers. Training programme should be individualized.