The effects of acute upper and lower body exercise on the post-exercise resting metabolic rate

This investigation examined the effects of upper and lower body exercise of different intensities on the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and the resting metabolic rate 24 hours post- exercise (PERMR). Eight male and eight female subjects were randomly placed into four groups according to the type and intensity of exercise they would perform. The four groups were upper body- high intensity (UH), lower body-high intensity (LH), upper body-low intensity (UL), and lower body-low intensity exercise (LL). The modes of exercise chosen were an arm crank and a cycle ergometer for the upper and lower body exercise, respectively. The high intensity exercise corresponded to 75-85% VO₂ peak, whereas the low intensity was at 45-55% VO₂ peak. Each subject expended approximately 200 kcal during the exercise bout. Resting metabolic rate was measured prior to the exercise session (baseline), in addition to 24-hours post-exercise (RMR 2). The EPOC response to the exercise bout was measured during the first 40 minutes post- exercise. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between pre- and post-exercise RMR measurements. There was a significant interaction between mode of exercise and the time of the RMR measurement, however, an F-test for simple main effects found no significant differences for either upper or lower body exercise. No significant difference was observed between the four experimental groups for the 40-minute period EPOC. However, a significant interaction was found between EPOC and exercise intensity, in which LH group was significantly higher than LL. Intensity had no significant effect on the EPOC response of the upper body groups. The post-exercise caloric expenditure (group means ranged from 4 to 17 kcal) was not of significant magnitude to make a contribution to weight control. Therefore, it is concluded that neither mode (upper or lower body) nor intensity (high or low) are more effective in elevating the post-exercise metabolic rate (PEMR) in order to create a negative energy balance, which could lead to an easier and faster weight reduction.