Abstract
The relationship between upper arm dimensions and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) during arm exercise was investigated. Nineteen almost untrained male subjects
(22±2yrs, 183±5.5 cm, 74±7.5 kg; mean±SD) volunteered to take part in the study. The
following anthropometrical upper arm data were obtained for each subject: upper arm
circumference, biceps and triceps skinfold thickness, upper arm length. From these
data the cross-sectional area of the muscles, of the muscles plus bone of the upper
arm, and the upper arm muscle volume were calculated. Upper arm volume was determined
by water immersion. The subjects performed arm cranking with an increasing load of
10 watt each minute (Wpeak 125±17.4 watt, V̇O2peak: 2.54±0.331/min; mean±SD). Multiple regression analyses showed that V̇O2peak could be best explained by the cross-sectional area of the muscles plus bone
of the upper arm (r = 0.65, p<0.005). Other factors did not add significantly. The
variables as body mass, fatfree body mass, upper arm volume and total arm volume correlated
less well with V̇O2peak (r<0.5). In conclusion it is suggested to use the easily obtainable cross-sectional
area of the muscles plus bone of the upper arm to standardize V̇O2peak of arm cranking.
Key words
Arm exercise - arm cranking - maximal oxygen uptake - upper arm dimensions - anthropometry