A Comparison of Lower Extremity Muscle Activity during Exercise on a Cycle Ergometer and Recumbent Stepper

Adults are encouraged to participate in aerobic activities that involve large muscle groups and are rhythmic in nature. Cycling and stair climbing are both activities that fit this recommendation and have been shown to enhance overall fitness and health. Further, cycling and stepping are currently prescribed during lower extremity orthopedic rehabilitation. These activities also help to reduce the risk of secondary injury because they reduce anterior shear forces in the knee due to their closed kinetic chain nature. Closed kinetic chain exercises are regularly used after ACL reconstruction surgery because they result in less strain on the ACL than open kinetic chain exercises like traditional knee extensions (Morrissey et al., 2000). Thus, bicycle ergometers are commonly used for rehabilitation after knee joint surgery. A recumbent stepper may provide the same exercise and safety benefits because it permits the user to perform a rhythmic closed kinetic chain exercise in a seated position.