Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe elliptical cycle locomotion by muscular, kinematics, physiological and perceptual parameters during submaximal and maximal exercises. Seven men performed an incremental test until exhaustion. Pulse rate, ratings of perceived exertion (6–20 Borg's scale), muscular activity of 8 muscles (higher and lower limbs muscles) and elbow, shoulder, hip and knee joint amplitudes were continuously recorded. Pulse rate reached about 70% of the theoretical maximal pulse rate after 3 minutes of submaximal exercise and about 95% at the end of the maximal exercise; the sensation of this effort being respectively described as "weak" and "very hard". EMG analysis indicated that all investigated muscles were activated, especially knee and hip extensor muscles. Kinematic analysis showed that all joints were activated especially the elbow, shoulder and knee. The elliptical cycle locomotion led to global body activation (both higher and lower limbs activity) and therefore induced a relatively significant cardiac activation even at low intensity. We therefore suggest that elliptical cycle locomotion is a unique pattern.