The oxygen consumption at rest and after moderate aerobic exercise on a treadmill was
estimated in 20 sportsmen of Loyola College, Madra s T.he mean oxygen consumption index at rest
was 118 ml/min/m2 end there was a three-fold increase in oxygen consumption after walking at 5 k.m.
per hour for five minutes on the treadmill.T he rise in pulse rate and the rise in systolic blood pressure
after the exercise did not have any significant correlation with the excess oxygen consumption.
However. the product of the rise in pulse rate end the rise in systolic blood pressure (double product)
showed a significant correlation with the excess oxygen consum e d . The excess minute ventilation
showed a positive correlation with the excess oxygen consumed, whereas the PO2 difference between
the inspired and expired air showed a negative correlation. It is suggested that after moderate
aerobic exercise in sportsmen, the initial responses are more on the respiratory system rather
on the cardiovascular system