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Space physiologists have an interest in upper body exercise since in the weightless state astronauts do a substantial amount of work with their arms and hands. Upper body exercise elicits a peak oxygen uptake approximately 70% of that obtained during lower body exercise; in addition, upper body exercise requires a greater oxygen uptake at a given power output than lower body exercise. Therefore, when performing exercise at a given power output, both the absolute and relative (% of peak V̇O2) exercise intensity is greater during upper body exercise. Although cardiac output responses for a given oxygen uptake are similar, the heart rate, blood pressure and total peripheral resistance responses are greater, and the stroke volume responses are lower at a given oxygen uptake during upper than lower body exercise. Body temperature responses to both exercise types are similar, but the temperatures are achieved by different heat exchange mechanisms.