Neural Regulation of Cardiovascular Response to Exercise: Role of Central Command and Peripheral Afferents

Figure 2

Experimental setup showing an adapted tandem bicycle. This model was used to separate the contribution of central command and mechanoreflex. Active cycling (AC) was used to activate both the central command and the mechanoreflex. Passive cycling (PC) was used to activate only the mechanoreflex. In this situation, the rider on the rear seat pedaled while the subject on the front seat kept his legs relaxed. Passive cycling was also combined with electrical stimulation (PC + ES) in some subjects, to match the oxygen consumption observed during active cycling, reproduced with permission from Williamson et al. 1997 [57].