Operating the Lode Excalibur Sport Cycle Ergometer
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The
Lode ergometer has greater versatility than the Monark ergometers in that an
unlimited variety of exercise protocols can be programmed for the Lode
ergometer. Although, it can be used
in a manual mode, the Lode ergometer can be quickly pre-programmed with an individualized
exercise protocol. Furthermore, power output is sustained independently of pedaling
frequency. This relieves having a technician monitor the subject ensuring
the pedaling frequency is accurately maintained.
Initial adjustments prior to testing. There are four adjustments for the handlebar and seat placement. Adjust the settings to accommodate the subject's comfort. If a subject will be repeating an exercise test on a later occasion, record the settings so that the position of the subject will be identical for each testing session.
Another feature is that HR can be monitored with the Lode ergometer. If HR will be recorded, position a Polar HR transmitter around the subject's chest. The HR receiver is located in the seat and sends HR information to the Lode control box.
Turn on the power to the Lode control box by pressing the red button located at the back of the box. If the red power light is on but no image appears on the LCD screen, adjust the contrast knob in the back until the screen display is suitable.
To use Lode ergometer in a manual mode
After turning on power to the ergometer, press ENTER to change the screen display to the Main Menu.
Move the cursor down (using the down arrow key) to MANUAL then press MENU.
In this mode, power output is independent of pedaling frequency and can be adjusted by pressing the up or down arrow keys. The display shows power output (W), pedaling frequency (rpm), and HR (bpm).
To use a pre-programmed exercise protocol
After turning on power to the ergometer, press ENTER to set the screen to the Main Menu.
Move the cursor down (using the down arrow key) to SELECT PROTOCOL then press MENU.
Move the cursor (using the up and down arrow keys) to the desired protocol. There may be additional protocols not showing on the screen but which can be displayed by scrolling down (pressing down arrow screen). When the desired protocol is marked, press ENTER.
Press ENTER to run the protocol, or to return to the list of protocols, press any of the arrow keys.
This screen requests subject data; however this data is unnecessary to run a protocol and can be bypassed by continually pressing ENTER until the screen displays a graph of the selected protocol workload.
The program begins when pedaling frequency exceeds 25 rpm and will continue until completion. The times indicate overall elapsed exercise time and stage time.
The program can be terminated at any time by pressing the ESCAPE key which sets the workload to 50 W (for cool-down purposes) for which this can also be terminated by pressing the < key.
To program an exercise protocol
After turning on power to the ergometer, press ENTER to set the screen to the Main Menu.
Move the cursor down (using the down arrow key) to PROGRAM PROTOCOL then press MENU.
The first step is name the program. Moving the up and down arrow keys displays the alphabet characters, a space, and the numbers zero to nine. After selecting the desired character, press the ENTER key to advance to the next cursor position. Previous character selections can be edited by pressing the < key. After completing the protocol name, continue pressing the ENTER key until the programming graph appears.
On this screen, the protocol is programmed with each stage graphed. At the bottom of the screen, the cursor points to the DP (delta power) value (in Watts). Using the up and down arrow keys, select the change in power for the initial exercise stage. After selecting the first character, advance the cursor by pressing ENTER. Continue making selections for DT (delta time) which is in units of seconds. After finishing a line, press ENTER.
After entering the final stage, enter a time (DT) of zero.