Correlation of Gerkin, Queen's College, George, and Jackson methods in estimating maximal oxygen consumption

Abstract

Background and aimTest of maximal oxygen consumption is the gold standard for measuring cardio-pulmonary fitness. This study aimed to determine correlation of Gerkin, Queen’s College, George, and Jackson methods in estimating maximal oxygen consumption, and demographic factors affecting maximal oxygen consumption.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a census of medical emergency students (n=57) in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2016. The subjects firstly completed the General Health Questionnaire (PAR-Q) and demographic characteristics. Then eligible subjects were assessed using exercise tests of Gerkin treadmill, Queen’s College steps and non-exercise George, and Jackson. Data analysis was carried out using independent t-test, one way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation in the SPSS software.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 21.69±4.99 years. The mean of maximal oxygen consumption using Gerkin, Queen’s College, George, and Jackson tests was 4.17, 3.36, 3.64, 3.63 liters per minute, respectively. Pearson statistical test showed a significant correlation among fours tests. George and Jackson tests had the greatest correlation (r=0.85, p>0.001). Results of tests of one-way analysis of variance and t-test showed a significant relationship between independent variable of weight and height in four tests, and dependent variable of maximal oxygen consumption. Also, there was a significant relationship between variable of body mass index in two tests of Gerkin and Queen’s College and variable of exercise hours per week with the George and Jackson tests (p>0.001).ConclusionGiven the obtained correlation, these tests have the potential to replace each other as necessary, so that the non-exercise Jackson test can be used instead of the Gerkin test.

Age-Related Declines in Health and Fitness among Law Enforcement Officers Compared to Population Norms

“…The results indicated that participants with higher body fat percentages were still able to complete the 60 s forearm plank. Our findings are contrary to previous research indicating a correlation between obesity and lower forearm plank times in the general population [23]. This divergence is likely attributed to the elevated levels of muscular strength observed, especially among younger participants.…”

“…The participants chose one of three submaximal (graded) cardiovascular test (GXT) options: the Gerkin treadmill test, the YMCA cycle ergometer test, or the Queen's College step test [21,23]. The majority of the officers chose to complete the Gerkin treadmill test (60/83; 72.3%).…”

“…The majority of the officers chose to complete the Gerkin treadmill test (60/83; 72.3%). The Gerkin treadmill test is an accepted form of VO 2 testing predominantly for the tactical athlete population [23], encompassing a stepwise assessment that increases speed and inclines for each step of the protocol. Termination of the test occurs when the 85% heart rate maximum is reached.…”

A Pilot Study on the Relationship between Cardiovascular Health, Musculoskeletal Health, Physical Fitness and Occupational Performance in Firefighters

“…A study investigated the accuracy of the non-exercise estimation of the VO2max method compared to the cooper 12 min test, and reported moderate to high reliability/specificity (71.5%) in firefighters [ 52 ]. Another study reported that moderate to moderate correlations existed between non-exercise estimation of VO2max and the Gerkin treadmill test (r = 0.69) and the Queen’s College step test (r = 0.51) [ 53 ]. The results in the current study indicated that 47.2% of firefighters did not meet the minimum requirement of 42 mL·kg·min for firefighting, as recommended by many researchers.…”