McKenzie, D. C., Redman, G. M., & Jespersen, D. K. (1998). Kayak versus treadmill VO2max in trained flatwater paddlers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 211.

Incremental treadmill and kayak ergometer tests to determine VO2max were performed by international (N = 4) and recreational (N = 3) kayakers. It has frequently been reported that upper-body work in paddling elicits 60-70% of treadmill determined VO2max in active males.

The maximum arm-work aerobic capacities for both groups were 86+% of treadmill values. These values far exceed previously reported figures and demonstrate the adaptations that occur with specific upper body training.

Implication. Upper body activities adapt to training to yield VO2max values that are a considerable portion of treadmill-determined VO2max.

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