concurrent validity of two submaximal bicycle exercise tests

CONCURRENT VALIDITY OF TWO SUBMAXIMAL BICYCLE EXERCISE TESTS IN PREDICTING MAXIMAL OXYGEN CONSUMPTION

A Thesis

Submitted to the Graduate Faculty o f the University o f South Alabama

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of

Master o f Science

In

The Department o f Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Studies

ByWendy E. Davis

B.S., University o f South Alabama, 2002 August 2004

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THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

CONCURRENT VALIDITY OF TWO SUBMAXIMAL BICYCLE EXERCISE TESTS IN PREDICTING MAXIMAL OXYGEN CONSUMPTION

BY

Wendy E. Davis

A Thesis

Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the University o f South Alabama

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Master o f Science

m

The Department o f Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Studies

August 2004

Approved: Date:

6 .Chair of Thesis Co aleski, Ph.D.

Committee Member: Robert JfHeitman. Ph

Committee Member: PhilkBT M. Norr //nowCommittee Member: Albert WyPearsall, M.D

Chair of the D epartm ^t: Frecterick M.

Director of Gradu dies: Willi

Dean of the Graduat.56hool: Judy P. Stout, Ph.D.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would foremost like to thank my advisor. Dr. John Kovaleski, for giving me his

invaluable help with this research and throughout the editing process. His experience

within the field o f research and Exercise Science is boundless, and has proved to be of

great benefit to me. Throughout my time as an undergraduate and graduate student I have

grown to learn so much and I am very appreciative for that.

I would also like to thank my thesis committee. Dr. Robert Heitman, Dr. Phillip

Norrell, and Dr. Albert Pearsall for their help with the review o f this thesis and their

suggestions for the research design.

I would like to thank my parents, Campbell and Irene Davis, who have given me

their endless support throughout my time here at the University o f South Alabama. It is

thanks to their continuing faith in me that I have been able to realize my goals and

achieve them.

11


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................................v

ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................vi

CHAPTER I - ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM .................................................................1

Introduction............................................................................. 1Theoretical Rationale.................................................................................................... 2Statement o f the Problem..............................................................................................3Research H ypotheses.................................................................................................... 3Null Hypotheses.............................................................................................................4Assumptions................................................................................................................... 4Delimitations.................................................................................................................. 4Limitations......................................................................................................................5Definition o f Terms........................................................................................................5

CHAPTER II - REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.............................................................. 7

Introduction.....................................................................................................................7The Astrand-Ryhming Submaximal T est ............ 10The YMCA T es t..........................................................................................................14Alternate Testing Procedures..................................................................................... 15Summary .............................................................................................................. 17

CHAPTER III - PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTING D A TA ..... 19

Experimental Design................................................................................................... 19Subjects......................................................................................................................... 19Inclusion C riteria.........................................................................................................19Instrumentation............................................................................................................20Procedures.................................................................................................................... 20

Submaximal Testing......................................................................................21Maximal Oxygen Consumption T est...........................................................22

111


Statistical Analysis.......................................................................................................23

CHAPTER IV - RESU LTS....................... 25

Anthropometric Characteristics........................................................... 25Physiological D ata .......................................................................................................25Correlational Findings................................................................................................ 26

CHAPTER V - DISCUSSION................................................................................................ 28

REFERENCE L IST ........................................................................................... 33

APPENDICES.......................................................................................................................... 36

Appendix A; University of South Alabama Consent To Be A ResearchSubject................................................................................................... 36

Appendix B: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).................... 40Appendix C; YMCA Bicycle Ergometer Protocol.................................................41Appendix D; Raw Demographic Information......................................................... 42Appendix E: Raw Data for the Exercise Tests........................................................ 43

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.................................................................................................. 44

IV


LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1. Subject Anthropometric Characteristics...........................................................................25

2. Oxygen Consumption Values (mL-kg"^-min'') for the Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VOiMax) and predicted (YMCA and Astrand-Ryhming) Bicycle Ergometer T ests................................................................................................................... 26

3. Correlation Coefficients and Standard Error o f Estimates (SEE) among the Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VOaMax), Astrand-Ryhming, and the YMCA Bicycle Tests......................................................................................................................... 27


ABSTRACT

Davis, Wendy E., M.S., University o f South Alabama, August 2004. Concurrent Validity of Two Submaximal Bicycle Exercise Tests in Predicting Maximal Oxygen Consumption. Chair o f Committee: John E. Kovaleski, Ph.D.

This study determined the validity of predicting V02Max from the Astrand-

Ryhming and YMCA submaximal aerobic fitness tests. Twenty-three male and female

active college students completed testing. Significant Pearson Product Moment

Correlations were observed between the VOaMax and the Astrand-Ryhming (r = .56, p =

.006) and YMCA (r = .83,p < .001) tests. A significant correlation (r = .73,p < .001)

was also observed between the Astrand-Ryhming and YMCA tests. The t-test comparison

between the correlation coefficients derived from the YMCA and VOiMax tests, and

Astrand-Ryhming and V02Max tests was significant (t (22) = 2.81, p < .05). This research

demonstrates that the use o f submaximal bicycle testing can be used to accurately

estimate V02max in physically active individuals. The findings suggest that V02max

estimated from the YMCA test provides a more accurate estimate o f V02max as compared

to the Astrand-Ryhming test.

VI


CHAPTER I

ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM

Introduction

Maximal oxygen consumption testing (V02Max) is commonly administered in

exercise physiology laboratories to directly measure aerobic power (American College of

Sports Medicine, 2000; Astrand and Rybming, 1954; McArdle, Katcb and Katcb, 2001;

Metz and Alexander, 1967; Siconolfi, Cullinane, Carleton and Thompson, 1982). Tests to

predict maximal oxygen consumption (V0 2 Max) or aerobic fitness use submaximal

exercise heart rate during a standardized regimen performed on a bicycle ergometer

(American College of Sports Medicine, 2000; Astrand and Rybming, 1954; Golding,

Myers and Sinning, 1989). Submaximal exercise testing serves as an alternative to

maximal testing in situations where direct measurement o f V0 2 Max cannot be performed.

The Astrand-Ryhming and YMCA Bicycle Tests are the two most popular submaximal

aerobic fitness tests administered in exercise physiology laboratories and fitness settings

(American College of Sports Medicine, 2000; Golding et al., 1989; Jessup, Riggs,

Lambert and Miller, 1977; Legge and Banister, 1986; Macsween, 2001; Terry, Tolson,

Johnson and Jessup, 1977; Williams, 1975). Estimating V02Max has been shown to be

beneficial to competitive athletes who are looking to improve training and to the general

population in various clinical settings who are attempting to improve physical fitness.


Submaximal aerobic exercise testing applies the essentially linear relationship

between heart rate and VOaMax during increasing intensities o f light to relatively heavy

exercise (Astrand and Ryhming, 1954; McArdle et al., 2001). The accuracy o f the

V0 2 Max prediction from a submaximal heart rate can be considerably limited by the

accuracy o f the linearity of the heart rate-oxygen consumption relationship (Golding et

al., 1989; McArdle et al., 2001). VOaMax predicted from submaximal heart rate generally

falls within 10 to 20% of the persons actual value. These prediction tests can effectively

screen and classify individuals for aerobic fitness (McArdle et al., 2001).

Theoretical Rationale

The basic physiological aim o f submaximal exercise testing is to determine the

heart rate response to one or more workloads and to use the results to predict VOaMax

(American College of Sports Medicine, 2000; Legge and Banister, 1986). Maximal tests

have the disadvantage of requiring participants to exercise to the point of volitional

fatigue and might require physician supervision (American College o f Sports Medicine,

2000). Maximal exercise testing, however, offers increased sensitivity in aerobic power

measurement by direct measurement o f VOaMax (Macsween, 2001; McArdle et al., 2001).

To date, there have been no systematic studies that have compared the concurrent

validity of the Astrand-Ryhming and YMCA submaximal bicycle exercise tests in

predicting VOaMax in the same individual. The Astrand-Ryhming test is limited by a

consistent under-prediction, and many studies have assessed this inaccuracy from

comparison of predicted with observed values o f V02Max (Legge and Banister, 1986;

Terry et al., 1977). This underestimation of V02Max may be accounted for by deriving a


V0 2 Max from submaximal exercise test data using nomogram-based algorithms and that

the work performed is only up to 70% of an individuals age-predicted maximum heart

rate. Whereas, the YMCA test derives a V02Max from submaximal data by using linear

extrapolation to 85% of the subjects age-predicted maximal heart rate. Thus, it was

timely that an investigation be made to determine which o f the two submaximal exercise

tests provides a more accurate estimate o f V0 2 Max-

Statement o f the Problem

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between estimated

maximal oxygen consumption (V0 2 Max) measured from two standard submaximal

aerobic fitness tests and actual V0 2 Max measured during cycle ergometer testing.

Research Hvnotheses

1. There will be a significant positive correlation between the YMCA submaximal

bicycle test and V0 2 Max.

2. There will be a significant positive correlation between the Astrand-Ryhming

submaximal bicycle test and V0 2 Max.

3. There will be a significant difference between the correlation of the YMCA

submaximal bicycle test and V02Max and the correlation o f the Astrand-Ryhming

submaximal bicycle test and V0 2 Max.


Null Hypotheses

1. There will be no signifieant correlation between the YMCA submaximal bicycle

test and VOiMax,

2. There will be no significant correlation between the Astrand-Ryhming

submaximal bicycle test and VOaMax.

3. There will be no significant difference between the correlation of the YMCA

submaximal bicycle test and VOaMax and the correlation o f the Astrand-Ryhming

submaximal bicycle test and V0 2 Max,

Assumptions

The assumptions o f this study included:

1) Linearity o f the heart rate-oxygen consumption relationship.

2) Similar maximum heart rates (HR^ax) for individuals of the same age.

3) Assumed constant economy and mechanical efficiency during exercise.

4) Day-to-day heart rate variation averages about 5 beats min ^during submaximal

exercise.

5) Subject motivation to give maximal effort during the VOiMax test.

Delimitations

1) This study was delimited to subjects recruited from the University of South

Alabama Physical Education and Athletics programs.

2) This study was delimited to subjects between 19 and 25 years o f age.


3) This study was delimited to subjects who were physically active, as evidenced by

cycling or running a minimum of 3 to 5-days per week for the previous 6 months

or participation in competitive running or cycling athletic events.

4) This study was delimited to the Astrand-Ryhming, YMCA and a maximal bicycle

ergometer test.

Limitations

1) This study was limited to subjects that were not randomly selected and who

were volunteers.

2) This study was limited by the number o f subjects available for study.

Definition of Terms

Astrand-Rhvming Bicvcle Test - A submaximal single-stage 6-minute exercise protocol

that uses a nomogram to predict VOaMax from heart rate response to a submaximal

workload (Astrand and Ryhming, 1954).

Bicvcle Ergometer - An exercise device that allows the amount and rate o f a person's

physical work to be controlled and measured.

Criteria for Determining Maximal Oxygen Consumption - Demonstration of a leveling

off or peaking over in oxygen consumption with increasing exercise intensity, a

respiratory exchange ratio greater than 1.15, and a failure o f heart rate to increase with

increases in exercise intensity (American College o f Sports Medicine, 2000; McArdle et

al., 2001).


Maximal Exercise Test - A graded exercise test in which workloads are incrementally

applied to a maximum as the subject reaches a point of volitional and/or physiological

fatigue. Used to measure VOiMax-

Maximum Heart Rate - The highest heart rate (HRmax) value one can achieve in an all-out

exercise effort to the point of exhaustion. Measured in beats min'^

Maximal Oxvgen Consumption - The maximal capacity for oxygen consumption

(VOiMax) by the body during maximal exertion. Serves as a measure of aerobic capacity

and aerobic fitness and is expressed as milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight

per minute (mL-kg'*-min'^) (McArdle et al., 2001).

Submaximal Exercise Test - Graded exercise that is terminated at some predetermined

submaximal heart rate or workload; used to predict VOiMax-

Workload - The exercise resistance, measured in watts (W), which is applied to the

bicycle ergometer.

YMCA Bicvcle Test - Two to four, 3-minute stages of continuous exercise, designed to

raise the steady-state heart rate between 110 beatsmin"' and 85% of the age-predicted

maximal heart rate for at least two consecutive stages (American College of Sports

Medicine, 2000; Golding et al., 1989).


CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Introduction

Maximal oxygen uptake or VOiMax is widely accepted as the primary

physiological variable that best defines the efficiency or capacity o f the cardiovascular

and respiratory systems. This variable, thought to be synonymous with the term

cardiorespiratory fitness, has been designated by some investigators as the most

important criterion of physical fitness (Hartung, Blancq, Lally and Krock, 1995;

Wilmore, 1967). Aerobic capacity is measured by determining the bodys maximal rate

of oxygen consumption (V02Max)- This process is dependent on the cardiorespiratory

systems ability to absorb oxygen via the lungs, deliver oxygenated blood to the working

muscles and the muscle's cells ability to utilize the oxygen in energy production (Hartung

et al., 1995).

The assessment o f VOiMax is typically made in a laboratory setting with the

individual performing a maximal graded exercise test with the indirect calorimetric

analysis of the expired gases using computerized instrumentation (Latin and Elias, 1993;

Hartung et al., 1995; Storer, Davis and Caiozzo, 1990). The determination o f VOiMax can

be made using a variety of exercises that activate the bodys large muscle groups,

provided the intensity and duration o f effort are sufficient to maximize aerobic energy


transfer. For this reason, the bicycle and treadmill are the two most commonly used

laboratory methods for determining maximal oxygen uptake (Hermansen and Saltin,

1969).

Maximal oxygen consumption assessment involves the use o f expensive

metabolic analysis equipment and requires trained personnel to administer and conduct

the testing (Astrand and Ryhming, 1954; Coleman, 1976; Legge and Banister, 1986;

Macsween, 2001; Metz and Alexander, 1967; Siconolfi et al., 1982). The characteristics

o f a good V0 2 Max test are that the exercise effort be performed to maximal volitional or

physiological fatigue. The test requires that certain criteria be met including

demonstration of a leveling off or peaking over in oxygen consumption with increasing

exercise intensity, attaining a respiratory exchange ratio above 1.15, and achieving a

heart rate at or above the age predicted maximal heart rate (Katcb, Weltman, Martin and

Gray, 1977). Maximal aerobic testing is sometimes contraindicated when exercise is

restricted due to pain or premature fatigue rather than maximal physical exertion, and in

cases where maximal exercise is limited due to cardio-respiratory, metabolic, or

orthopedic problems (Noonan and Dean, 2000).

Direct measurement o f VOiMax requires motivation and the ability o f the subject

to exert maximal effort. Therefore, it is important that the subject be capable of

physically exerting maximal effort. If the target population used in testing does not

consist of highly motivated people who can exercise at moderate to high intensities, then

attaining a true V02Max could be difficult. Due to this, there is a need for estimating

V0 2 Max from submaximal testing to minimize physical discomfort when there is lack of

motivation by the subject in performing a maximal effort, or in the presence o f health


contraindications associated with the subject performing the V02Max test (Washburn and

Montoye, 1984).

In wellness and fitness center laboratories, VOaMax is often estimated using

submaximal aerobic fitness testing such as the Astrand-Ryhming and YMCA bicycle

ergometer tests (Astrand and Rybming, 1954; Coleman, 1976; Legge and Banister, 1986;

Macsween, 2001; M etz and Alexander, 1967; Siconolfi et al., 1982). The V02Max

estimated from submaximal tests is based on a linear relationship between heart rate and

exercise workload with extrapolation to an assumed maximum heart rate (Hartung et al.,

1995; Washburn and Montoye, 1984). Estimating V02Max from a submaximal exercise

test is dependent on several assumptions. The first involves the linear relationship

between heart rate and oxygen uptake, up to and including maximum values. This

assumption is generally met during various intensities o f light to moderate exercise

testing. The second assumption is that maximum heart rate among individuals within an

age group is similar. The heart rate standard deviation is approximately 1 0 beats min'*

about the average maximal heart rate for individuals of the same age. This could mean

that a subject with an actual heart rate of 185 beats min'^ would have their V02Max

overestimated if the heart rate-oxygen uptake line is extrapolated to 195 beats min'^ It is

also important to remember that heart rate decreases with age. If an age correction factor

is not taken into consideration then older individuals will consistently have their VOaMax

overestimated. A third assumption is that oxygen uptake at a given workload is similar

when an individual is tested several times. If oxygen uptake is estimated from different

exercise workloads on different occasions, then the predicted V0 2 Max may be in error due

to the differences in effort. The variation among subjects in exercise economy during


activities such as walking or cycling is thought to be no greater than 6 %. For bench

stepping the variation can equal about 10%. Any change in the testing protocol or

procedure could produce noticeable differences in the metabolic cost between tests. A

fourth assumption that is thought to be a significant factor in obtaining reliable test results

is the day-to-day variation found in heart rate for an individual. It is understood that even

imder the strictest and most standardized conditions, variations in submaximal heart rate

for any individual is approximately 5 beatsmin'^ with day-to-day testing at the same

workload. Within the limitations o f these assumptions, V02Max predicted from a

submaximal heart rate is reported to be within 10 to 20% o f the persons actual V0 2 Max

value (McArdle et al., 2001).

The Astrand-Rvhming Submaximal Test

In 1954, P.O. Astrand and Irma Ryhming reported the use o f submaximal bicycle

exercise in estimating maximal aerobic capacity from heart rates and workload. They

established that when testing cardiorespiratory fitness, bicycle exercise could be used to

engage large groups o f muscles at moderate to high workloads. They reported that the

exercise duration should be at least six minutes in duration to permit the distribution of

blood flow and oxygen uptake by the muscle to the level o f exercise being performed

(Astrand and Ryhming, 1954). The nomogram reported by Astrand and Rhyming for

estimating V0 2 Max from submaximal exercise heart rate is probably the most commonly

used method to predict aerobic capacity (Jessup et al., 1977; Legge and Banister, 1986;

Macsween, 2001; Terry et al., 1977; Washburn and Montoye, 1984; Williams, 1975).

The basis behind a predictive test such as Astrand-Ryhming nomogram is the

10


relatively linear relationship that exists between heart rate and exercise workload

(Coleman, 1976; Golding et al., 1989; Legge and Bannister, 1986; Macsween, 2001).

This requires extrapolation o f the heart rate and workload regression line to the age-

predicted maximal heart rate. This maximal heart rate is used to establish a maximal

work rate that can then be used to predict V02Max (Storer et al., 1990). The Astrand-

Ryhming nomogram specifically predicts V02Max based upon workload and exercise

heart rate, along with the persons age and weight (Astrand and Ryhming, 1954;

Williams, 1975). Although these tests involve a submaximal exercise effort and are

supported by their ease o f administration, they have resulted in variable standard errors of

estimate, which could affect their accuracy in predicting VOiMax. Coleman (1976)

reported the correlation coefficient (r = .68) and standard error o f estimate (SEE = 7.32

mL-kg'^-min'^) for highly trained male subjects with the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram.

Jessup et al. (1977) reported a slightly smaller standard error o f estimate o f 5.1 mL kg

^min'^

Hartung et al. (1995) reported the Astrand-Ryhming test to overestimate V02Max

in women by approximately 18.5% (r = .72 and SEE = 5.69 mL-kg'^-min'^) using cycle

ergometry. The mean estimated V02max was 41 mL-kg'-min'^ and the actual V02max was

34 mL-kg'^-min'.

The use o f the Astrand-Ryhming test has also been reported to under-predict

V02Max when compared with actual measures o f V02Max in male subjects (Jessup et al.,

1977; Terry et al., 1977). Jessup et al. (1977) reported that the predicted versus actual

V02Max for male subjects were 41.2 mL-kg'^-min'^ and 45.3 mL-kg'^-min'^ respectively.

Terry et al. (1977) reported a predicted V02Max of 44.73 mL-kg'^-min'* and an actual

11


mean VOiMax o f 48.07 mL-kg'^-min'^ This underestimation of VOiMax may be accounted

for by deriving a V0 2 Max from submaximal exercise test data using the nomogram-based

algorithm and that the exercise performed was only up to 170 beats m in'^ Furthermore,

xmderestimations may be associated with body weight and its relationship with VOaMax-

Coleman (1976) reported a discrepancy between VOiMax values using the Astrand-

Ryhming nomogram when oxygen uptake was expressed relative to body weight (mL-kg

^min'^) versus expressed as an absolute value (liters per minute). The correlation

coefficient reported using the nomogram method was .68, which was significant at the

.05 level of confidence. When this value was expressed relative to body weight the

correlation coefficient was reduced to .43, which was not significant at the .05 alpha

level. Wilmore (1967) reported a correlation coefficient o f .84 and when expressed

relative to body weight the correlation was reduced to .37. These results led Wilmore to

assume that the reduction between VOaMax values expressed relative to body weight

versus those expressed in liters per minute were due to the positive correlation between

body weight and work output and its significant negative relationship with VOaMax-

Factors that may result in an elevated heart rate or that produce an abnormal

elevated exercise heart rate during testing include pre-exercise anxiety and the ingestion

of caffeine prior to testing. An abnormally elevated exercise heart rate could produce an

underestimation of VOiMax- Additionally, one cannot separate the effects o f anxiety from

the effects of physical work on heart rate with a test that measures heart rate at a constant

workload (Lockwood, Yoder and Deuster, 1997). Heart rate is the one variable that can

be affected by uncontrolled conditions or external stimuli (Golding et al., 1989; Legge

and Banister, 1986; Metz and Alexander, 1967; Terry et al., 1977). Metz and Alexander

12


(1967) reported conditions that tend to displace the pulse rate/work rate curves that

include ambient temperature, meals, time o f day, fatigue, mechanical efficiency

associated with the work task, the test protocol, and problems with stress and emotions.

However, Golding et al. (1989) reported that at the lower exercise heart rates, the pulse

rate could also be affected by external stimuli such as talking, laughter and nervousness.

However, when the heart is required to pump harder in order to provide more blood to the

working muscles at moderate to high workloads, extemal stimuli no longer have as great

an effect on heart rate.

There exist reservations as to when the Astrand-Ryhming test should be used. For

the majority o f people, the test is thought to be appropriate to establish general fitness in

screening situations, especially when more sophisticated techniques are unavailable

(Jessup et al., 1977). Macsween (2001) emphasized this by concluding that any derived

measures would always be, by definition, compromised measures. Yet with most of the

published data, extrapolation o f submaximal data to age-predicted maximal heart rate

may provide an acceptable method for clinical monitoring. Interpretation of submaximal

data must be made with care because poor and incorrect predictions are possible. It is

always useful to know the actual maximal heart rate, as this helps to improve the

accuracy in predicting VOiMax (Golding et al., 1989). Lockwood et al. (1997) reported

that the use o f an age-predicted maximal heart rate to estimate VOiMax contributes to the

estimation error o f any submaximal, progressive ergometer test. Despite these conflicting

findings, many clinicians believe that the VO2 results are accurate enough for predicting

actual VOaMax (Astrand & Ryhming, 1954; Coleman, 1976; Siconolfi et al., 1982; Terry

et al., 1977).

13


The YMCA Test

Another commonly used submaximal exercise protocol is the YMCA bicycle

ergometer test. Similar to the Astrand-Rhyming test, the YMCA test uses the linear

relationship between heart rate and workload. The YMCA test derives a VOiMax from

submaximal data by using linear extrapolation to 85% of the subjects age-predicted

maximal heart rate. Even though this protocol utilizes the linearity o f heart rate and

workload, it establishes a certain criteria before linearity can be reached. That criterion

assumes linearity to begin at 110 beats per minute. To create a line, two points or heart

rates are needed, and therefore two workloads are used (American College o f Sports

Medicine, 2000; Golding et al., 1989). The important element is that the workload used

cannot be too high or low in order to measure the appropriate exercise response. Most

heart rates at 150 beats min'^ will possess a linear relationship with workload. This means

that the protocol must be conducted to produce a heart rate response between 110 and at

least 150 beats min'^(Golding et al., 1989).

Once the two corresponding heart rate-workload points are established, a straight

line can be drawn and extrapolated to the estimated HRmax (Coleman, 1976). This

assumption o f HRmax can lead to other sources o f error with submaximal testing. If this

value o f age-predicted HRmax is incorrect, the error could over- or under-predict VOaMax

(American College o f Sports Medicine, 2000; Golding et al., 1989). Due to the lack of

published studies, additional research should examine the relationship between actual and

estimated VOaMax using the YMCA protocol. The relationship between the YMCA and

the Astrand-Ryhming test should also be examined.

14


Alternate Testing Procedures

As the increased need for new information and new methods o f testing evolve,

many researchers have attempted to establish whether other aspects o f submaximal

testing have an adverse affect on how V02Max is reported. Several studies have examined

the effect o f pedaling speed on the validity o f the Astrand-Ryhming protocol (Jessup et

al., 1977; Swain and Wright, 1997). The Astrand-Ryhming test protocol requires

pedaling be performed at 50 revolutions-per-minute (RPM). Although this pedaling speed

is universally used when administering the Astrand-Ryhming test, it has been observed

that some subjects find 50 RPM to be uncomfortably slow, especially those with cycling

experience (Swain and Wright, 1997). Jessup et al. (1977) examined 50 RPM versus 80

RPM assuming that speed would not significantly affect V02Max- Their findings indicated

that increased pedaling speeds (80 RPM) might be acceptable as they yielded values that

were not significantly different from those at 50 RPM. The mean values ( SD) reported

for each of the tests were as follows: V02Max = 45.3 6.7 mL-kg^-min'\ predicted

V02Max at 50 RPM = 41.2 6.2 mL-kg'^-min'\ and predicted V02Max at 80 RPM = 42.6

7.4 mL-kg"^-min'*.

In another study, workload selection was examined for its effect on accurately

predicting V02Max using the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram. Several researchers evaluated

various workload levels and the selection process for them, specifically the nomogram

(Astrand and Ryhming 1954, Terry et al., 1977). Astrand and Ryhming (1954) reported a

validity coefficient o f .71 for their original nomogram. In Terry et al. (1977) it reported a

validity coefficient of .65 (SEE = 4.07 mL-kg'^-min'*). Although the validity coefficient

reported by Terry et al. (1977) was slightly lower than that reported by Astrand and

15


Ryhming (1954), it was concluded that the lower correlation coefficient was due to the

homogeneity o f the group studied by Terry et al. (1977). Astrand and Ryhming (1954)

demonstrated that the most accurate estimate o f VOaMax was obtained when the workload

was high and evoked a heart rate between 125 and 170 beats min^ They concluded that

within this heart rate range there is normally an almost linear increase between oxygen

consumption and heart rate.

Astrand and Ryhming (1954) also reported the effects o f muscle mass and how it

might affect maximal oxygen uptake. They reported that knowing a subjects maximal

oxygen uptake per kilogram o f body weight should provide a good indication o f aerobic

fitness. This assumption was made because they assumed VOaMax to vary with muscle

mass. The ratio o f muscle mass to body weight should, therefore, be considered an

important factor in determining an individuals aerobic capacity for work. Other studies

examined how body mass affected VOiMax- Wilmore (1967) investigated the relationship

between V0 2 Max and endurance capacity using cycle ergometry and reported a high

correlation {r - .84). This correlation coefficient was reduced when the results were

expressed relative to body weight (r = .37). When body weight was held as a statistical

constant, the correlation coefficient between VOaMax and endurance capacity increased to

.78.

Along with selecting the appropriate workload, the method o f performing the

chosen workload is also important. Researchers have attempted to establish if there is a

significant difference between performing exercise tests using steady state or non-steady-

state methods. Steady-state protocols usually require at least 3-6 minutes o f exercise at

each intensity level. Non-steady-state protocols are performed by incrementing the

16


exercise intensity more rapidly, usually once per minute. One study compared 2 non

steady-state exercise protocols in normal individuals (15-second increments versus 1-

minute increments). The results showed the VOaMax values from the 15-second

incremental study (VOaMax = 46.7 9.8 mL-kg'^-min'^) were comparable in normal men

and women to data from the more commonly used 1-minute incremental protocol

(V02Max = 48.5 10.9 mL-kg'^-min'^) using the bicycle ergometer. These results were not

statistically significant {p > .05) (Fairshter, Walters, Salness, Fox, Minh and Wilson,

1983).

Summary

For over 50 years, submaximal bicycle testing has been used to predict VOaMax- hi

1954, Astrand and Ryhming initially reported that testing using submaximal workloads

provides good information about an individuals aerobic capacity. Since then,

discrepancies exist in the predictive accuracy between many of the studies that have

examined the Astrand-Ryhming test to predict VOiMax- This includes both a consistent

under- and over- prediction based on the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram (Jessup et al.,

1977; Terry et al., 1977).

The Astrand-Ryhming submaximal test is not the only submaximal test used in

predicting VOaMax- More recently, the YMCA bicycle ergometer test has become widely

used in submaximal fitness testing. A review o f the literature shows a lack o f published

research on the accuracy o f this test in predicting V02Max in various populations. There is

a need to better understand the predictive accuracy of the YMCA Test in estimating

V 0 2 M a x -

17


There appears to be no systematic studies that have compared the concurrent

validity o f the Astrand-Ryhming and YMCA submaximal bicycle exercise tests in

predictingVOaMax in the same individual. Thus, it is timely that an investigation be made

to determine which o f these two submaximal exercise tests provides the more accurate

estimate o f V02Max- The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between

estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VOaiviax) measured from two standard

submaximal aerobic fitness tests and actual VOaMax measured during cycle ergometer

testing.

18


CHAPTER III

PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTING DATA

Experimental Design

The research design for this study followed the correlation research method to

examine the relationship between estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VOiMax)

measured from two standard submaximal aerobic fitness tests and actual VOiMax

measured during cycle ergometer testing. A repeated measures design was used to

compare means among the three bicycle tests.

Subjects

The participants in this study were physically active volunteers from the

University o f South Alabama Physical Education and Athletics programs. Twenty-three

subjects (11 men and 12 women) were recruited.

After approval by the Human Subjects Review Committee, all subjects were

given information pertaining to the nature, purpose, and possible risks involved in this

study. Each subject was required to sign a consent form prior to testing (Appendix A).

Inclusion Criteria

The requirements for inclusion into this study as a subject were as follows:

19


1. Between 19 and 25 years o f age and currently attending the University of

South Alabama;

2. Physically active as evidenced by cycling or running a minimum of 3-5

days per week for the previous 6 months or participation in competitive

running or cycling athletic events;

3. Not currently taking any medications that affect or change heart rate or the

subject's ability to perform aerobic exercise;

4. Have not been diagnosed with any cardiac conditions that may be

complicated by strenuous exercise.

Instrumentation

The Ergometer 800 Bicycle Ergometer (Sensor Medics Corporation, Yorba Linda,

CA) was used for all testing. Heart rate was measured during the submaximal tests using

Polar (Polar Electro Incorporated, Woodbury, NY) heart rate monitors. The Vmax 29

series metabolic cart (Sensor Medics Corporation, Yorba Linda, CA) with ECG interface

was used to measure oxygen consumption and heart rate during the VOaMax test.

Procedures

The experimental procedure for this study required each participant to perform

two standard submaximal bicycle ergometer tests (Astrand-Ryhming and the YMCA) and

one maximal oxygen consumption (VOiMax) bicycle ergometer test. Each subject was

required to report on three different days, separated by at least 72 hours, and commit to

approximately 15 to 30 minutes o f research time for each visit. On the first testing day,

20


demographic information was obtained, along with age, body weight, resting blood

pressure, and height. The physical activity inclusion criteria for participation were

determined and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) obtained

(Appendix B) (American College o f Sports Medicine, 2000; Cardinal, Esters and

Cardinal, 1996).

The VOiMax test was performed on the first testing day. The order o f testing for

the Astrand-Ryhming and YMCA tests was randomized. Prior to each bicycle exercise

test, a 5-minute warm-up on the cycle ergometer was performed, along with lower body

stretching. Blood pressure was measured before and immediately after each exercise test.

Each subject was positioned properly on the bicycle, keeping an upright posture. The seat

height was adjusted to allow 5 degrees of flexion in the knee when the pedal was in the

down position (American College o f Sports Medicine, 2000).

Submaximal Testing

To perform the Astrand-Ryhming protocol, each subject was seated on the bicycle

and instructed to pedal at a speed of 50 RPMs. Submaximal workloads intended to

produce a heart rate between 120 and 170 BPM were incrementally produced, with heart

rate being recorded at the end of each minute. The initial workload for both men and

women was 50 watts for the first minute of the test. Any subsequent increases in

resistance for the men and women were administered in 50-watt and 25-watt increments,

respectively. If after the first minute the subjects heart rate was below 120 beatsm in\

the resistance was increased accordingly to the next stage, and was increased every

minute thereafter until a heart rate above 120 beatsmin'^ was attained. If however, the

21


subjects heart rate was above 120 beats min'^ after the first minute, then the resistance

remained the same throughout the test (Astrand and Ryhming, 1954; Scaffidi, Paris,

Gurchiek and Erdmann, 2003).

The YMCA protocol requires the subject perform two to four, 3-minute stages of

exercise, pedaling at a speed of 50 RPM s. This test was intended to raise the heart rate

between 110 beats'min"' and 85% of the age-predicted maximal heart rate. Heart rates

were recorded during the final 15 to 30 seconds o f each stage. The initial workload for

both men and women was 25 watts. If the heart rate in the third minute of the stage was

less than 80 beats m in '\ the second stage was set at 125 watts. If the heart rate in the third

minute o f the stage was between 80-90 beatsm in'^ the second stage was set at 100 watts.

If the heart rate in the third minute of the stage was between 90-100 beats min'*, the

second stage was set at 75 watts. If the heart rate in the third minute o f the stage was

greater than 100 beats m in'^ the second stage was set at 50 watts. The third and fourth

stages (if required) were adjusted according to the workloads and corresponding heart

rates from the second stage (Appendix C) (American College o f Sports Medicine, 2000;

Golding et al., 1989).

Maximal Oxygen Consumption Test

The maximal oxygen consumption (VOaMax) test was performed using a series of

3-minute stages, which were designed to elicit maxim al effort within 12 to 15 minutes

(McArdle et al., 2001). During this test, expired respiratory gases were collected and

analyzed for oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. Each subject wore a mouthpiece

connected to tubing that directed a portion o f the expired air into the Vmax 29 series

metabolic cart for ventilation volume and gas analysis. Prior to each exercise test, the

22


flow meter and the oxygen and carbon dioxide analyzers were calibrated according to

standard calibration procedures (Sensor Medics Corporation, Yorba Linda, CA).

For women participants, the initial work stage required pedaling at 50 watts and

increased by 25-watt increments every three minutes imtil VOiMax was achieved. For men

and those women participants who were more physically fit, the initial work stage

required pedaling at 50 watts and increased by 50-watt increments every three minutes

until the VOaMax was achieved. All tests were performed at a pedal rate of 50 RPMs. An

appropriate cool down/recovery period was performed after the conclusion of each test,

consisting of continued pedaling at a work rate below or equivalent to the first stage

workload o f the exercise protocol.

The VOaMax test was terminated when the subject reached volitional fatigue

(exhaustion), requested to stop or failed to conform to the exercise test protocol,

experienced light-headedness, or any other adverse signs and symptoms related to cardio

respiratory distress (American College o f Sports Medicine, 2000). The physiological

criteria for VOiMax required demonstration o f a leveling off or peaking over in oxygen

consumption with increasing exercise intensity. Secondary criteria included attainment o f

the age-predicted maximum heart rate or a respiratory exchange ratio above 1.15.

Statistical Analvsis

The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to determine the relationship

between the Astrand-Ryhming and YMCA tests and the VO?mav test. A one-way repeated

measures analysis o f variance was used to test whether there were any significant

differences among the three means for oxygen consumption. An independent t-test was

23


used to determine if there was a significant difference between the correlation

coefficients between each individual submaximal test and VOimax- All statistical tests

were performed at the .05 alpha level. SPSS 11.5 for Windows (SPSS Inc, Chicago, XL)

was used for all data analysis.

24


CHAPTER IV

RESULTS

Anthropometric Characteristics

Twenty-three physically active subjects were included in the data analysis. There

were eleven men, and thirteen women, ranging in age from 19 to 25 years o f age.

Anthropometric data for age, height, weight, and body mass index of the subjects are

listed in Table 1.

Table 1.Subject Anthropometric Characteristics

Anthropometric Measures Mean Standard DeviationAge (yrs) 21.7 2.18Height (in) 6 8 .2 4.03Weight (Kg) 71.3 11.90Body Mass Index (kg m'^) 23.5 2.41

Phvsiological Data

Each subject performed two standard submaximal bicycle ergometer tests

(Astrand-Ryhming and the YMCA) and a maximal oxygen consumption (VOamax)

bicycle ergometer test. The one-way repeated measures analysis o f variance showed no

significant main effect for oxygen consumption (F 2,44 = 2.251, p = .12) among the three

25


bicycle ergometer tests (Table 2). The mean ( SD) maximal oxygen consumption for all

subjects was 42.87 9.90 mL-kg'^-min'\ The mean ( SD) estimated maximal oxygen

consumption for the YMCA test was 46.09 13.18 mL-kg'^-min'*. The mean ( SD)

estimated maximal oxygen consumption for the Astrand-Ryhming test was 46.18 8.84

mL-kg'^-min'. A mean maximal heart rate of 186 ( 7.64) beats min ^ and the mean

respiratory exchange ratio (R) of 1.15 ( .08) were also observed from the V02max test.

Table 2.Oxygen Consumption Values (mL-kg'^-min'^) for the Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VOaMax) and predicted (YMCA and Astrand-Ryhming) Bicycle Ergometer Tests

Test Mean Standard Deviation Number o f CasesV02Max 42.87 9.90 23Astrand-Rhyming 46.18 8.84 23YMCA 46.09 13.18 23

Correlational Findings

The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation coefficients between the YMCA and

Astrand-Rhyming submaximal tests and the maximal oxygen consumption test (VOaMax)

are presented in Table 3. A significant correlation was observed between the V02Max and

the Astrand-Rhyming tests (r = .56, p = .006) and between the VOaMax and the YMCA

tests (r = .83,/? < .001). A significant correlation coefficient (r = . lo ,p < .001) was also

observed between the Astrand-Rhyming and the YMCA tests. The coefficients o f

determination (r^) were .31 for the Astrand-Rhyming test and .68 for the YMCA test.

Approximately 31% of the variance o f the estimated V02max for the Astrand-Rhyming

test was accounted for by its linear relationship with V02max- Whereas, approximately

26


68% of the variance o f the estimated V02max for the YMCA test was accounted for by its

linear relationship with V 0 2 max- hi addition, a t-test comparison of the correlation

coefficients derived between the YMCA and V02max tests and between the Astrand-

Rhyming and V02max tests was significantly different {t (22) = 2.87, ju < .05). This

finding demonstrates that the estimation o f V02max from the YMCA test is a more valid

measure of V02max than the estimated V02max obtained from the Astrand-Rhyming test.

Table 3.Correlation Coefficients and Standard Error o f Estimates (SEE) among the Maximal Oxygen Consumption (V02Max)5 Astrand-Rhyming, and YMCA Bicycle Tests.

Variable V02Max Astrand-Rhyming

YMCA SEE

V02Max Pearson Correlation Significance

1 .555*.006

.825*

.000

Astrand-Rhyming Pearson Correlation Significance

.555*

.0061 .725*

.0008.434

YMCA Pearson Correlation Significance

.825*

.000.725*.000

1 5.721

'Significant Correlation Coefficient at the p < 0.01 level (2-tailed).

27


CHAPTER V

DISCUSSION

Measuring VOaMax and predicting maximal oxygen consumption from

submaximal testing involve several important factors that must be considered in order to

meet the protocol and physiological requirements o f testing. Physically active subjects

were studied because they could perform and complete the vigorous exercise testing

necessary to produce a valid V02max test. These factors included age, fitness level, and

the substantial motivation needed to perform and complete the submaximal and maximal

bicycle ergometer tests (Macsween, 2001).

Sampling the expired respiratory gases throughout the test allowed for the

continuous measurement o f oxygen uptake. Demonstration o f a leveling off or peaking

over in oxygen consumption with increasing exercise intensity was defined as the

primary criteria for determining VOiMax (McArdle et al., 2001). Nineteen of the 23

subjects showed a plateau or peaking-over (decline) in the oxygen uptake at or with

increasing workloads. This attainment o f the plateau or peaking-over in maximal oxygen

consumption after the increase in workload indicates that these measurements were likely

the highest VO2 values obtainable for these subjects. The four subjects who were unable

to attain a plateau or peaking over had difficulty continuing the workload and in

achieving V02max as defined by the leveling off or peaking-over criteria. Local muscle

28


factors such as fatigue likely contributed to the failure to achieve VOamax.

Secondary criteria that objectify VOiMax include attainment o f the age-predicted

maximum heart rate or a respiratory exchange ratio (R) above 1.15 (McArdle et al.,

2001). The mean ( SD) maximum heart rate measured for the subjects was 186

beats min'^ This value was 94% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate (198

beatsmin"^). Analysis o f the respiratory gases revealed a mean R value of 1.15, which

met this criterion for attainment o f VOamax-

In the present study, both the YMCA and the Astrand-Rhyming tests were found

to overestimate V02max. Specifically, the Astrand-Rhyming test showed a mean

difference o f 7.7% and the YMCA a mean difference o f 7.5% above the VOamax- The

standard error of estimates (SEE) were also calculated, with the YMCA yielding an SEE

value o f 5.721 mL-kg''-min'' and the Astrand-Rhyming yielding an SEE value o f

8.434 mL-kg'^-min'\ If these values were used along with the estimates of V02max they

would fall within the 68% confidence level. This allows researchers to know, that if

repeated, the predicted V0 2 max values observed lie between the upper and lower limits of

the actual V0 2 max-

In a study using a testing protocol similar to the YMCA protocol, Swain and

Wright (1997) reported an SEE value o f 8.2 mL-kg'^-min'^ for healthy subjects between

the ages of 18 and 40 years old. Terry et al. (1977) found an SEE o f 4.07 mL-kg''-mm^

for the Astrand-Rhyming when compared to actual V02max- Siconolfi et al. (1982)

reported an SEE value of 6.01 mL-kg'^-min' for the Astrand-Rhyming test. The SEE

value ( 8.434 mL-kg'^-min'^) for the Astrand-Rhyming test reported in this study is

comparable with the others reported in the literature. However, no SEE comparisons for

29


YMCA test can be made because no values are reported in the literature.

One o f the principal findings from this study is that VOamax can be accurately

predicted from the Astrand-Rhyming and YMCA bicycle ergometer exercise tests. This

contention is supported by the observed significant correlation coefficients and by the

low standard error o f estimates for the YMCA and Astrand-Rhyming tests. The

correlation coefficients observed for the Astrand-Rhyming and YMCA tests with VOamax

were .56 and .83, respectively. The correlation coefficient found between the Astrand-

Rhyming and YMCA tests for estimating VOamax was also high (r = .73). Terry et al.

(1977) reported a correlation coefficient o f .65 between the Astrand-Rhyming test and

VOaraax, which was slightly greater than the .56 coefficient observed in this study.

Siconolfi et al. (1982) reported a high coefficient (r - .82) between the predicted VOimax

from the Astrand-Rhyming test and VOimax- The greater correlation coefficient observed

by Siconolfi et al. could be due in part to a greater variability in V02max values (31.3

m l.kg.m in' 10.2) obtained from the subjects reported in his study as compared to the

variability inVOimax values used in the analysis of this study (46.2 ml.kg.min'^ 8.8).

This study supports the hypothesis that there is a greater relationship between the

YMCA and VOimax tests than between the Astrand-Rhyming and V02max tests. The

significant difference observed from the t-test analysis o f the correlation coefficients

demonstrates that the estimation o f V02max from the YMCA test is a more valid measure

of V02max than the estimated V02max obtained from the Astrand-Rhyming test. The

results also support the hypothesis that there would be a significant difference between

the correlations of the YMCA and Astrand-Rhyming tests in predicting V02max- The

correlation coefficient (.83) found between the YMCA and V02max was higher than the

30


value observed between the Astrand-Rhyming and V02max (-55). This, in addition to the

lower SEE value o f oxygen consumption, leads to the conclusion that in 19 to 25 year old

physically active individuals, the YMCA test yields a more accurate estimation of

V02max- This asscition may be explained by the YMCA test protocol design, which uses

three-minute stages, instead o f one-minute stages that are used in the Astrand-Rhyming

test protocol. The YMCA test is also administered to elicit a heart rate between 110

beats min"' and 85% o f the subjects age-predicted heart rate maximum. This criterion for

heart rate may allow for linear extrapolation to a higher percentage o f maximum heart

rate as compared to the Astrand-Rhyming protocol for determining V02max-

An exercise test protocol similar to that o f the YMCA test protocol can be found

in the American College of Sports Medicines (ACSM) Guidelines for Exercise Testing

and Prescription (2000). The ACSM protocol follows the same guidelines as the YMCA

test protocol by using 3-minute work stages and terminating the test at 85% of the age-

predicted heart rate maximum. The one difference between the ACSM test protocol and

the YMCA test protocol, however, is that the ACSM test doesnt require a beginning

heart rate o f 110 beats min* to use in the extrapolation o f the estimated V02max, Studies

using the ACSM exercise test protocol have been conducted (Greiwe, J., Kaminsky, L.,

Whaley, M., and Dwyer, G., 1995; Swain and Wright, 1997). Swain and Wright (1997)

reported that this method of testing significantly overestimated V0 2 max by approximately

28%, which was similar to the 26% reported earlier by Greiwe et al. (1995). It may be

that this overestimation of V02max is explained by the use o f the ACSM methodology of

extrapolating submaximal heart rates to a predicted maximal aerobic power that is then

used to calculate V0 2 max.

31


Due to the absence o f published data on the YMCA test in estimating V02max, it is

not possible to make comparisons to other studies. This circumstance makes this study

unique in both design and in its findings. This study appears to be the first to compare

estimated measures o f VOamax using both the Astrand-Rhyming and YMCA tests with

VOimax in the same individual. This research demonstrates that the use o f submaximal

bicycle testing can be used to accurately estimate V0 2 max in physically active individuals.

The findings suggest that V02max estimated from the YMCA bicycle test provides a more

accurate estimate o f V02max as compared to the Astrand-Rhyming test.

Several recommendations can be made for further experimental and applied study

using comparisons o f the Astrand-Rhyming and YMCA bicycle ergometer tests with

V0 2 max testing:

1. Future studies should include a greater number o f subjects to ensure adequate

statistical power.

2. Future studies should replicate the protocols used in this study to other age groups

and individuals with differing levels o f fitness.

3. Studies should examine the various methods of calculating V02max from sub

maximal testing by using the Astrand-Rhyming nomogram, different graphing

techniques, and the newer ACSM equations.

32


REFERENCE LIST


REFERENCE LIST

American College o f Sports Medicine (2000). AC SM s Guidelines For Exercise Testing And Prescription. (6* ed). Baltimore: Lippincott Williams and Williams.

Astrand, P. and Ryhming, I. (1954). A nomogram for calculation o f aerobic capacityfrom pulse rate during submaximal work. Journal o f Applied Physiology, 7, 218- 22 .

Cardinal B., Esters J., and Cardinal M. (1996). Evaluation o f revised Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire in older adults. Medicine and Science Sports and Exercise, 28, 468.

Coleman, A.E. (1976). Validation of a submaximal test o f maximal oxygen intake. Journal o f Sports Medicine, 16, 106-11.

Fairsbter, R., Walters, J., Salness, K., Fox, M., Minb, V., and Wilson, A. (1983). A comparison o f incremental exercise tests during cycle and treadmill ergometry. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 15 (6), 549-54.

Golding, L., Myers, C., and Sinning, W. eds. (1989). Y s way to physical fitness. 3^*ed. Champaign, IE: Human Kinetics.

Greiwe, J., Kaminsky, L., Whaley, M., and Dwyer, G. (1995). Evaluation of the ACSM submaximal ergometer test for estimating VOamax- Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27 (9), 1315-1320.

Hartung, G., Blancq, R., Lally, D., and Krock, L. (1995). Estimation of aerobic capacity from submaximal cycle ergometry in women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27 (3), 452-457.

Hermansen, L., and Saltin, B. (1969). Oxygen uptake during maximal treadmill and bicycle exercise. Journal o f Applied Physiology, 26 (1), 31-37.

Jessup, G., Riggs, C., Lambert, J., and Miller, W. (1977). The effect o f pedaling speed on the validity o f the Astrand-Rybming aerobic work capacity test. Journal o f Sports Medicine, 17, 367-71.

33


Katch, V., Weltman, A., Martin, R., and Gray, L. (1977). Optimal test characteristics for maximal anaerobic work on the bicycle ergometer. Research Quarterly, 48 (2), 319-27.

Latin, R., and Elias, B. (1993). Predictions o f maximum oxygen uptake from treadmill walking and running. Journal o f Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 33, 34-9.

Legge, B., and Bannister, E. (1986). The Astrand-Ryhming nomogram revisited. Journal o f Applied Physiology, 61 (3), 1203-09.

Lockwook, P., Yoder, J., and Deuster, P. (1997). Comparison and Cross-validation of cycle ergometry estimates of V 0 2 m a x - Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29 (11), 1513-1520.

Macsween, A. (2001). The reliability and validity o f the Astrand nomogram and linear extrapolation for deriving VOimax from submaximal exercise data. Journal o f Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 33, 34-9.

McArdle, W., Katch, F., and Katch, V. (2001). Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance. (5*^ ed). Baltimore: Lippencott Williams and Williams.

Metz, K., and Alexander, J. (1967). Estimation of maximal oxygen intake from submaximal work parameters. Research Quarterly, 42 (2), 187-193.

Noonan, V. and Dean, E. (2000). Submaximal exercise testing: clinical application and interpretation. Physical Therapy, 80 (8).

Scaffidi, P., Paris, A., Gurchiek, L, and Erdmann, J. (2003). Health and Fitness Concepts: A Publishing.Concepts: A Programmed Approach. (7* ed). Boston: Pearson Custom

Siconolfi, S., Cullinane, M., Carleton, R., and Thompson, P. (1982). Assessing VOamax in epidemiological studies: modification o f the Astrand-Ryhming test. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 14 (5), 335-38.

Storer, T., Davis, J., and Caiozzo, V. (1990). Accurate prediction o f V02max in cycle ergometry. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 22 (5), 704-712.

Swain, D. and Wright, R. (1997). Prediction o f V02peak from submaximal cycleergometry using 50 versus 80 RPM. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29 (2), 268-272.

Terry, J., Tolson, H., Johnson, D., and Jessup, G. (1977). A workload selectionprocedure for the Astrand-Ryhming test. Journal o f Sports Medicine, 17, 361-366.

34


Washburn, R. and Montoye, H. (1984). The validity of predicting VOamax in males age 10-39. Journal o f Sports Medicine, 24, 41-48.

Williams, L. (1975). Reliability o f predicting maximal oxygen uptake using the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram. Research Quarterly, 46 (1), 12-16.

Wilmore, J. (1967). Maximal oxygen intake and its relationship to endurance capacity on a bicycle ergometer. Research Quarterly, 40 (1), 203-210.

35


APPENDICES


Appendix A

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA CONSENT TO BE A RESEARCH SUBJECT

Project title: Concurrent Validity of Two Subm axim al Bicycle Exercise Tests in Predicting M axim al Oxygen Consumption

Principle Investigator; Wendy E. Davis, Graduate StudentDepartment of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Studies

Purpose and Background

You are being asked to participate in a research study comparing submaximal aerobic bicycle testing and maximal aerobic testing. Submaximal bicycle testing is widely used in fitness settings to predict maximum oxygen consumption (V02 Max) or aerobic fitness. Submaximal testing serves as an alternative to maximal testing in situations where actual oxygen consumption cannot be measured. This study will compare two different bicycle exercise tests in their validity in measuring oxygen consumption (V0 2 max).

If you agree to participate in this study, you will be required to perform two submaximal tests (Astrand and YMCA) and a maximal aerobic fitness test while riding a stationary bicycle ergometer. You are being asked to participate because you meet age and fitness requirements.

After you read this informed consent either the principle investigator or a research assistant will also read it to you. Questions concerning the research should be directed to Wendy E. Davis, at (office) 251-460-7131. This project and this consent form have been reviewed by the Human Subjects Protection Review Committee, which ensures that research projects involving human subjects follow federal regulations. You may also contact the Institutional Review Board with questions at 460-6308.

Approximately 20 subjects are being recruited for participation in this study and representation from all racial and/or ethnic groups, o f both genders are encouraged to participate.

Inclusion criteriaThe requirements for inclusion into the study as a subject are as follows:1. Between 19 and 25 years o f age;2. Highly trained as evidenced by cycling or running at least 45-minutes per day

3 to 5-days per week for the previous 6 months or participation in competitive running or cycling athletic events;

36


3. Not currently taking any medications that affect or change your heart rate or your ability to perform aerobic exercise.

4. Have not been diagnosed with any cardiac conditions, which may be complicated by strenuous exercise.

Procedures

Upon agreeing to participate in this study, you will be required to report to the Human Performance Laboratory (Room # 1080) in the Physical Education Building on three different days and commit to approximately 15 to 30 minutes o f research time for each visit. You will be required to complete 3 days o f exercise testing, one day per week. Each day you will be subjected to a different bicycle exercise regimen until you complete the exercise test consisting o f the Astrand, YMCA, or maximal oxygen consumption test. On the first testing day, your age, body weight, resting blood pressure, and height will be measured.

The testing procedures involve performing three bicycle exercise tests, each performed on a bicycle ergometer. Prior to each bicycle exercise test, a 5-minute warmup will be performed, consisting o f light resistance bicycling. Blood pressure will be measured before and immediately after each exercise test. The two submaximal tests include the Astrand 6-minute bicycle test and the YMCA bicycle test. To perform the Astrand protocol, you will be seated on the bicycle and instructed to pedal at a speed o f 50 RPMs. Submaximal workloads that are intended to produce a heart rate between 120 and 170 BPM will be incrementally produced, with your heart rate recorded each minute. The YMCA protocol uses two to four, 3-minute stages o f exercise. This test is intended to raise your heart rate to between 110 BPM and 85% of your age-predicted maximal heart rate. Heart rates will be recorded during the final 15 to 30 seconds of each stage.

The maximal oxygen consumption (V02 Max) test will be performed using a series o f 3-minute stages, which are designed to elicit maximal effort within 12 to 15 minutes. The purpose o f this test is to elicit maximal heart rate and oxygen uptake.During this test, expired respiratory gases will be collected and analyzed for oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration. This requires you to wear a mouthpiece connected to tubing that directs a portion o f your expired air into a chamber for analysis. This information will be used in the determination o f maximal oxygen consumption.

For women participants, the initial work stage will require pedaling at 50 watts and increasing by 25-watt increments every three minutes until the V02 Max is achieved. For men and those women participants who may be more physically fit, the initial work stage will require pedaling at 50 watts and increasing by 50-watt increments every three minutes until the V02 Max is achieved. The V02 Max test will be terminated when you reach exhaustion, if you request to stop or fail to conform to the exercise test protocol, experience light-headedness, or any other adverse signs or symptoms related to cardiorespiratory distress. An appropriate cool down/recovery period will be initiated after the

37


conclusion o f each test, consisting o f continued pedaling at a work rate equivalent to that o f the first stage of the exercise protocol or lower.

Risks and/or Discomforts

With any exercise there are potential health risks. As an additional safety measure, it is also recommended that before this or any exercise or fitness test, you should consult a physician. There exists the possibility o f certain changes occurring during testing. Some o f the possible risks from participation in this study include: dizziness, fainting, muscle fatigue, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, or death. All researchers and assistants are trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and an automatic defibrillator will be available in the room if needed.

Every effort will be made to minimize these risks by evaluation of preliminary information relating to your health and fitness and by observation during testing. As a participant you will be expected to fill out a PAR-Q questionnaire as part o f your preliminary evaluation. Information that you possess about your health status, exercise history, or previous experiences o f heart-related symptoms (such as shortness of breath, pain, pressure, tightness, heaviness in the chest, neck, jaw, back and/or arms) with physical effort might affect your safety and inclusion in this study. Your prompt reporting o f these and any other unusual feelings with effort during the test itself is o f great importance. You are responsible for fully disclosing your medical history, as well as symptoms that may occur during the test. You are also expected to report all medications taken recently and, in particular those taken on the day of each test.

Personal information is strictly confidential and your name will not be disclosed. During the course of study, your information will be identified by a letter-number combination. Any new information that might develop during the course o f the project will be provided to you if that information could affect your willingness to participate in the project.

No funds have been set aside for payment if you incur injury or illness as a result o f participation in this research project. In the event that it is determined that you need the attention o f a physician, you will be referred to either your personal physician, the physicians at the U.S.A. Health Services or one o f the local hospital emergency rooms. Any of these physicians will be available to you but there will be a fee involved in use of their services.

Information about the procedures described above and the possible risks o f the study have been explained. Whereas no assurance can be made concerning results that may be obtained, the researcher will take every precaution consistent with the best scientific practice.

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BenefitsNo direct benefit is anticipated to the subject from participating in this study. You

will be provided information concerning your test results for maximal oxygen consumption. These results may assist in estimating your level o f aerobic fitness.

ReimbursementThere is no payment or reimbursement to the subject for study participation.

QuestionsIn case you have any questions about the study, please contact Wendy E. Davis at

(251)460-7131.

ConsentParticipation in this project is completely voluntary and I understand that I have

the right to decline to participate and am free to withdraw at any time without penalty or prejudice. Consent to participate in this project is hereby given by the undersigned. A copy o f this form has been given to me.

Date Signature of Subject

Date Signature o f Researcher Obtaining Consent

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Name

Appendix B

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

Subject # _________

Please read each question carefully and answer every question honestly: circle Yes or No.

Yes No1) Has a doctor ever said you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?

Yes No 2) Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?

Yes No3) In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?

Yes No4) Do you lose your balance because o f dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?

Yes No5) Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?

Yes No6) Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition?

Yes No 7) Do vou know o f anv other reason vou should not do nhvsical activity?

Regular physical activity is very safe for most people, however others need medical clearance before they may start.If you answered Yes to one or more questions you must see your doctor before being allowed to participate.Please note: If your health changes so that you can answer Yes to any of the above questions, inform one of the investigators prior to your next scheduled test.

References:1. American College o f Sports Medicine (2000). Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription,

6* ed. Baltimore: Lippencott, Williams & Williams.2. Cardinal BJ, Esters J, Cardinal MK. (1996). Evaluation o f revised Physical Activity Readiness

Questionnaire in older adults. Medicine Science Sports and Exercise, 28, 468.

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Appendix C

L' Stage 25 Watts

HR < 80 HR 80-90 HR 90-100 HR > 100

2"*Stage 125 Watts 100 Watts 75 Watts 50 Watts

3^ *Stage 150 Watts 125 Watts 100 Watts 75 Watts

4^ Stage 175 Watts 150 Watts 125 Watts 100 Watts

Directions:

1. Set the first work rate at 25 watts, pedaling at 50 RPM

2. If the heart rate in the third minute o f the stage is:

Less than (

Appendix D: Raw Demographic Information

Subject Age (yr) Gender Height (in) Weight (lbs) BMI (kg-m'^)

1 19 Female 63 127 22

2 20 Male 77 185 23

3 23 Male 70 140 20

4 25 Female 62 110 20

5 21 Male 71 155 22

6 19 Male 71 172 24

7 19 Male 71 161 23

8 20 Female 65 135 22

9 21 Female 66 145 23

10 20 Female 68 163 25

11 19 Female 66 163 26

12 22 Male 75 217 27

13 19 Female 64 132 23

14 22 Male 74 178 23

15 22 Male 68 140 21

16 25 Male 71 170 20

17 20 Female 68 161 25

18 24 Female 67 143 22

19 25 Male 69 160 24

20 23 Female 64 138 24

21 22 Female 64 145 25

22 23 Female 64 148 26

23 23 Male 71 220 30

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Appendix E: Raw Data for the Exercise Tests.

Subject V02Max Astrand-Ryhming

YMCA Max HR (beatsmin*)

R Value

1 44.1 46.8 41.6 186 1.03

2 48.5 45.2 49.9 186 1.22

3 48.6 44.0 50.3 202 1.31

4 40.5 44.2 42.0 185 1.18

5 55.9 38.3 53.9 198 1.30

6 59.9 48.5 48.5 178 1.09

7 48.6 46.4 62.8 181 1.07

8 42.7 47.2 45.6 194 1.08

9 40.1 47.0 53.1 182 1.16

10 38.8 44.5 37.8 187 1.10

11 3903 48.6 43.2 178 1.12

12 44.7 49.7 42.6 182 1.07

13 42.3 58.3 46.7 192 1.07

14 46.1 42.0 43.3 198 1.22

15 40.5 48.7 44.0 184 1.25

16 52.5 53.0 64.7 185 1.18

17 36.5 47.8 38.3 193 1.15

18 42.4 55.4 58.5 176 1.12

19 54.0 48.1 63.3 173 1.09

20 49.9 68.5 67.0 190 1.13

21 17.0 33.0 15.0 184 1.16

22 23.0 26.0 27.0 176 1.13

23 30.0 31.0 21.0 189 1.21

* V02Max, Astrand-Ryhming and YMCA values o f maximal oxygen consumption mL-kg'^-min'\

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Wendy E. Davis was bom in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, on November 7,

1979. After finishing her first year at the University of Ulster studying Sport, Exercise

and Leisure Studies, Wendy was awarded a full scholarship for Track and Field at the

University o f South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama. She graduated, magna cum laude with a

B.S. in Exercise Science in 2002. During her final year as an undergraduate student, she

received the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Physical Education/Exercise Science

and the Jimmy Taylor Scholarship award for her contribution to sport and academics. A

graduate assistantship was awarded to Wendy during her second semester of Graduate

School at the University o f South Alabama, and she was selected as the Outstanding

Physical Education/Exercise Science Graduate Student o f the 2004 class.

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concurrent validity of two submaximal bicycle exercise tests

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