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A new submaximal cycle ergometer test for prediction of VO 2max
Author(s) -
EkblomBak E.,
Björkman F.,
Hellenius M.L.,
Ekblom B.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.12014
Subject(s) - cycle ergometer , test (biology) , medicine , vo2 max , bicycle ergometer , cardiology , physical therapy , heart rate , biology , blood pressure , paleontology
Maximal oxygen uptake ( VO 2max ) 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 ( n = 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 2max . The association between estimated and observed VO 2max for the mixed sample was r = 0.91, standard error of estimate = 0.302 L /min, and mean measured VO 2max = 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 Å strand 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 2max (−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.