ergomeeter

An ergometer is a device that measures the amount of work performed or energy expended during physical activity. The term comes from Greek ergon, work, and metron, measure. In practical terms, ergometers quantify work as a force applied through a distance, and report power in watts and total work in joules or kilojoules. They are used to standardize and quantify exercise effort.

Common types include cycle ergometers, treadmill ergometers, rowing ergometers, and arm ergometers. Cycle ergometers provide adjustable resistance to pedaling and are widely used in laboratories; treadmill ergometers measure work by moving a belt under the user with controlled speed and incline; rowing and arm ergometers simulate sport-specific actions. Some devices use hydraulic, magnetic, or electronic resistance and provide continuous data on force, speed, and cadence.

Applications include aerobic fitness assessment, metabolic testing, and rehabilitation. In sports science and medicine, ergometry is used for graded exercise tests to estimate maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max), determine training zones, and monitor responses to training or therapy. Data from ergometers can also be used to study movement efficiency and energy expenditure.

The concept encompasses any instrument that measures work output. It has become a standard component of physiology and sports science laboratories, enabling repeatable, quantified exercise testing and training prescription.