Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that values for mechanical efficiency during cycle
exercise in prepubertal subjects are similar to those in adults. Few studies have
directly compared these groups, however, and earlier reports did not consider the
importance of assessing efficiency at similar relative exercise intensities. Nineteen
prepubertal boys and 21 college men underwent cycle exercise testing for determination
of delta efficiency (the energy required to increase workload), related to both absolute
work load and relative work intensity (percent V̇O2max). No significant differences in either of these measures were observed between
the two groups. Mean delta efficiency between workloads of similar relative intensity
was 23.2% for the prepubertal subjects and 22.5% for the adults (p > .05). Between
equal absolute workloads the values were 23.2 and 26.5%, respectively (p > .05). These
findings support earlier contentions that the efficiency of muscular contraction during
exercise is comparable in pre- and post-pubertal subjects.
Key words
Exercise - exercise testing - work efficiency
