Association Between Sub-Maximal and Maximal Measures of Aerobic Power in Female Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction:The higher spectrum is associated with wellbeing and diseases. Maximal oxygen uptake is regarded as the gold standard in the assessment of cardio respiratory power (CRP), but it is expensive equipment, and need well-trained staff, so we need an alternative assessment methods. Sub-maximal measures overcome certain limitations connected with maximal testing; they are easier to administer and less expensive. The YMCA Step Test estimates the HR during the first minute of recovery after 3 minutes of stepping up and down, i.e. the lower the heart rate, the higher the CRP. Aim of Work: To examine the association between two sub-maximal (physical working capacity at a heart rate of 170 (PWC 170 ) on cycle ergometer test and YMCA Step Test) and maximal measures (maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max ) of aerobic power, as well as to study the repeatability of the aforementioned sub-maximal measures in physically active female adolescents. Material and Methods: Ten female adolescents aged 13.4 ± 0.7 years old, all members of a local track and field sport club, performed the PWC 170 and YMCA Step Test twice. The tests were separated by an interval of one week. During the second laboratory visit, VO2 max was measured during a graded exercise test. Results: Considering the repeatability of sub-maximal measures, intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.89 (95% CI 0.55-0.97) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.65-0.98) in absolute and relative to body mass values of PWC 170 , while it was 0.69 (95% CI -0.27-0.92) with regard to heart rate at the end of step test and 0.78 (95% CI 0.11-0.95) at the end of the first minute of recovery after step test. PWC 170 was associated significantly with VO2 max in absolute values (r = 0.65, p = 0.04), but not with VO2 max relative to body mass values (r = 0.44, p = 0.20). The corresponding relationships between relative PWC 170 and VO2 max were r = 0.39 (p = 0.27) and r = 0.60 (p = 0.06). Heart rate at the end of the step test was non-significantly related to VO2 max in both absolute and relative values (r = -0.53, p = 0.12 and r = -0.61, p = 0.06), whereas respective values of heart rate at the end of the first minute after step test were r = -0.72 (p = 0.02) and r = -0.69 (p = 0.03). Conclusion:These sub-maximal measures appeared to be valid and reliable, and they were recommended for further use in similar population with the assumption that a familiarization session was preceded.