Cardiac Benefits of Elliptical Cross Trainers
Elliptical cross trainers
are well known to provide low-impact workouts, making
elliptical machines the ideal exercise equipment for people with joint, knee or
back problems. Elliptical cross trainers also offer greater cardiac benefits at
the same exertion and lower impact than a treadmill, according to a University
of Mississippi study investigating elliptical machines as a tool for
low-impact cardiac rehabilitation.
The study, published in The Journal of Exercise Physiologyonline,
compared cardiopulmonary responses of elliptical cross trainers versus treadmill
walking for patients recovering from cardiac disease. The study was conducted in
a coronary artery disease (CAD) rehabilitation setting under the direction of
Len Kravitz, Ph.D. Precor EFX® 546
elliptical exercise machines
were utilized in the independent study.
The study concluded that at the same level of exertion, subjects on Precor
elliptical cross trainers used 12 percent more oxygen and experienced greater
cardiopulmonary activity than on a treadmill. Study subjects were these tests
using elliptical machines were measured in
terms of oxygen consumption, heart rate, blood pressure and expired ventilation.
Exertion was measured according to the Borg scale of Relative Perceived Exertion
- the clinically recognized standard in exercise testing, training,
rehabilitation and ergonomics.
Treadmills, cycle ergometers, and rowing machines are the most common forms of
exercise for CAD patients, with treadmills currently recognized as providing the
best blend of exercise and perceived exertion. However, impact issues prevent
some patients from using a treadmill.
Dr. Kravitz said that the study confirms other investigations with healthy
populations that working out on elliptical cross trainers yields comparable
caloric expenditure values as the treadmill, without the impact, making
elliptical machines popular pieces of equipment in commercial and home gyms.
"CAD patients are similar in fitness capacity to the vast deconditioned
population we see in fitness clubs throughout the nation. Thus, working out on elliptical
cross trainers appears to be an excellent modality for deconditioned individuals
starting exercises programs," Dr. Kravitz explained.
"These findings demonstrate that the Precor EFX® elliptical machines offer superior aerobic exercise with
low impact - which can be key to achieving a variety of fitness objectives, from
improving your cardiac health to losing weight," said Torggler.
Lead researcher Kravitz noted that the combination of speed, intensity and ramp
elevation of the Precor elliptical cross trainers creates the opportunity to easily tailor an
appropriate workout experience. He added that the ease of adjusting workout
intensity on elliptical machines also reduces the risk of overtraining and injury.
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