A new submaximal cycle ergometer test for prediction of VO2max. Issue 2 (6th November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ekblom‐Bak, E.; Björkman, F.; Hellenius, M.‐L.; Ekblom, B.
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports. Volume 24:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2012-11-06
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.12014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-7188

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Maximal oxygen uptake (VO<sub>2max</sub>) is an important, independent predictor of cardiovascular health and mortality. Despite this, it is rarely measured in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to create and evaluate a submaximal cycle ergometry test based on change in heart rate (HR) between a lower standard work rate and an individually chosen higher work rate. In a mixed population (<italic>n</italic> = 143) with regard to sex (55% women), age (21–65 years), and activity status (inactive to highly active), a model included change in HR per unit change in power, sex, and age for the best estimate of VO<sub>2max</sub>. The association between estimated and observed VO<sub>2max</sub> for the mixed sample was <italic>r</italic> = 0.91, standard error of estimate = 0.302 L/min, and mean measured VO<sub>2max</sub> = 3.23 L/min. The corresponding coefficient of variation was 9.3%, a significantly improved precision compared with one of the most commonly used submaximal exercise tests, the Åstrand test, which in the present study was estimated to be 18.1%. Test–retest reliability analysis over 1 week revealed no mean difference in the estimated VO<sub>2max</sub> (−0.02 L/min, 95% confidence interval: −0.07–0.03). The new test is low‐risk, easily administered, and valid for a wide capacity range, and is therefore suitable in situations as health evaluations in the general population.</p> </abstract>