Cardiovascular responses to rowing ergometry versus treadmill exercise in men with coronary heart disease

Few data are available concerning the cardiovascular responses (CVR) to rowing (R) in cardiac patients. This study compared the CVR to R versus treadmill (TM) exercise during intermittent progressive maximal exercise testing in 11 volunteer male patients. At maximal exercise, oxygen uptake (VO₂), heart rate (HR), rate pressure product (RPP), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly different for R compared with TM. However, significantly lower values (P2 levels up to 5.5 METs. RPP was significantly greater for rowing exercise through 3.5 METs. Percentages of maximal HR at standardized percentages of maximal VO₂ were signigicantly greater for R versus TM up to 88% of maximal VO₂ values. In summary, CVR to R in these patients were generally similar to those of TM at maximal exertion. However, CVR to R at low intensities, such as are used in early cardiac exercise training programs, demonstrated significantly increased CVR during R versus TM.