Objective:

The physiological and energy demand responses to upper body aerobic exercises performed with different postures are not well known. The aim of the present study was to compare energy cost and physiological responses to upper body aerobic exercises performed with different postures.

Method:

Eight physically active males (>1 year active), untrained in upper body aerobic exercises, with 28.2 ± 5.7 years, ht 173.7 ± 7.4 cm, body mass 74.1 ± 11.4 kg, VO2Peak 30.2 ± 2.09 ml/kg/min and Body Mass Index 24.4 ± 2.5 kg/m2 performed a preliminary maximal test and two upper body aerobic exercises 30-min sessions in different days.

Results:

Metabolic and hemodynamic responses to upper body aerobic exercises performed in sit-position and vertical-position were compared. The vertical-position trial showed greater total energy cost (14.3%; p = 0.01), higher lipid catabolism (p = 0.001) and a higher double product (p = 0.04), when compared to the sit-position trial.

Conclusion:

The upper body aerobic exercises performed in vertical-position induces a higher energetic demand and cardiovascular load than in sit-position.