The McGill Physiology Virtual Lab

Exercise Physiology Laboratory

This experiment has been designed for you to learn more about the way the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and the body respond to exercise. During the laboratory, you will measure your heart rate and ventilatory response during exercise  in order to predict your maximal oxygen consumption. Energy expenditure and cardiovascular variables, before and during exercise, will be plotted.The exercise protocol uses a two-step wooden box (as detailed in the modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test): it is a series of 3-minute stepping stages (at increasing cadences) where the heart rate at the end of each stepping stage is recorded.