Recumbent Stepper Submaximal Exercise Test to Predict Peak Oxygen Uptake

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of the YMCA submaximal exercise test protocol using a total body recumbent stepper (TBRS) to predict VO2 peak. Methods Out of 112 individuals initially screened, one-hundred ten individuals with low to moderate cardiovascular disease risk met the inclusion criteria for participation in the study. The maximal exercise test used a motorized treadmill and the Bruce or modified Bruce protocol. Oxygen uptake was measured and analyzed through collection of expired gases using a metabolic measurement system. The submaximal exercise test was performed at least 24 hours later but no more than 5 days post maximal exercise testing. Participants were instructed to keep a pace of 100 steps per minute and the resistance increase every 3 minutes according to the protocol until fatigue, or 85% of HR max was achieved. A cross validation study was also performed to determine the accuracy of the prediction equation. Results Using a stepwise regression, we report that VO2 peak can be predicted using a five element model including age, weight, sex, watts_endsubmax and HR_endsubmax (F5,69 = 70.31, p <0.001). We report a strong correlation between the predicted VO2 peak to the actual VO2 peak. Conclusion These data suggest the YMCA submaximal exercise test can be used with the TBRS to predict VO2 peak in healthy adults.

Randomized controlled trial of exercise interventions to improve sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in individuals with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

“…23,24 Heart rate (HR) and BP were assessed prior to testing. Participants were fitted with a Polar HR monitor (Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Oulu, Finland) for continuous measurement.…”

Validity of the Step Test for Exercise Prescription: No Extension to a Larger Age Range

“…There are several candidate protocols, each with strengths and drawbacks to clinical or research application. The Total Body Recumbent Stepper protocol (Billinger et al, 2012) offers ease of administration and safety but requires special equipment and takes approximately 12 minutes. The YMCA step test protocol is brief and similar to the STEP but the rigid pacing may be taxing for older adults (ACSM, 2010).…”

“…Participants were recruited as part of the University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center (KU ADC) Registry cohort or through a concurrent study in the Research in Exercise and Cardiovascular Health (REACH) Laboratory (Billinger et al, 2012). Inclusion criteria for the concurrent study in the REACH laboratory included: a) Men and women between 18–60 years of age; b) No physical limitations that would preclude them from participating in exercise testing; c) The ability to travel to two separate exercise testing sessions.…”

“…For example, we have previously developed sub-maximal exercise protocols using a recumbent stepper which is valid in healthy populations (Billinger, van Swearingen, McClain, Lentz, & Good, 2012). However, at our institution we have need for a brief test that can be executed in the setting of a typical physician's office, with low demand of equipment, personnel and time that is applicable across the lifespan and including clinical populations.…”

Evaluating Variables as Unbiased Proxies for Other Measures: Assessing the Step Test Exercise Prescription as a Proxy for the Maximal, High-Intensity Peak Oxygen Consumption in Older Adults

“…A cohort of 102 adult research participants was recruited through the KU ADC Registry cohort and a concurrent study in the Research in Exercise and Cardiovascular Health (REACH) Laboratory (Billinger, van Swearingen, McClain, Lentz & Good, 2012). The protocols for obtaining the original ( Y , VO 2 peak) and proxy ( X , STEP) measures were described in Vidoni et al (2013).…”