In brief: Eighteen college students were tested in five stages on both a treadmill and a revolving stair ergometer. The researchers found no significant differences in peak responses between the two modes—as measured by oxygen consumption, heart rate, ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, and work time. However, during submaximal exercise in stages I and II, the values for heart rate and oxygen consumption were higher for stair-climbing subjects than for treadmill subjects. These findings support the use of revolving stair ergometers for testing and/or training healthy young adults.