Validity of the revised Ekblom Bak cycle ergometer test in adults

Abstract

PurposeTo further develop the Ekblom Bak-test prediction equation for estimation of VO2max from submaximal cycle ergometry.MethodsThe model group (117 men and 100 women, aged 48.3 ± 15.7 and 46.1 ± 16.8 years, VO2max 46.6 ± 11.1 and 40.4 ± 9.6 mL kg−1 min−1, respectively) and the cross-validation group (60 men and 55 women, aged 40.6 ± 17.1 and 41.6 ± 16.7 years, VO2max 49.0 ± 12.1 and 43.2 ± 8.9 mL min−1 kg−1, respectively) performed 4 min of cycling on a standard work rate (30 W) directly followed by 4 min on a higher work rate. Heart rate (HR) at each work rate was recorded. Thereafter, participants completed a graded maximal treadmill test for direct measurement of oxygen uptake. The new prediction equation was cross-validated and accuracy compared with the original Ekblom Bak equation as well as by the Åstrand test method.ResultsThe final sex-specific regression models included age, change in HR per-unit change in power (ΔHR/ΔPO), the difference in work rates (ΔPO), and HR at standard work rate as independent variables. The adjusted R2 for the final models were 0.86 in men and 0.83 in women. The coefficient of variation (CV) was 8.7 % and SEE 0.28 L min−1. The corresponding CV and SEE values for the EB-test2012 and the Åstrand tests were 10.9 and 18.1 % and 0.35 and 0.48 L min−1, respectively.ConclusionThe new EB-test prediction equation provides an easy administered and valid estimation of VO2max for a wide variety of ages (20–86 years) and fitness levels (19–76 mL kg−1 min−1).

Sex and maturity status affected the validity of a submaximal cycle test in adolescents

“…The EB test was a valid and reliable test in our study cohort, which indicates that VO 2 max can be accurately estimated in adolescence with this submaximal cycle ergometer test. The present study found that the VO 2 max of prepubertal and pubertal boys and girls aged 10–15 years was estimated within ±0.68 L/min, compared to ±0.65 L/min for men and ±0.53 L/min for women in a mixed adult population in another study . The validity in adolescents seemed to depend on maturity and sex, and the boys in Tanner stages I and II were the most overestimated.…”

Decline in cardiorespiratory fitness in the Swedish working force between 1995 and 2017

“…However, measuring actual VO 2 max during maximal performance would not have been feasible in this large non‐athletic population, together with HPA test leaders not experts in work physiology nor with access to laboratory equipment. In addition, assessment of VO 2 max by the Astrand protocol is reported to yield a valid and reliable estimation of actual VO 2 max . Participants on medication that could affect heart rate response during the submaximal test were not excluded in the present study.…”

“…Therefore, VO 2 max was estimated from the standardized Astrand submaximal cycle ergometer test . Criterion validity has been tested for the Astrand test, showing no systematic bias and limited variation in mean difference between estimated and directly measured VO 2 max, mean difference 0.01 L O 2 /min (95% CI −0.10 to 0.11) . All participants were requested to refrain from vigorous activity the day before the test, consuming a heavy meal 3 hours and smoking/snuff use 1 hour before the test, and avoiding stress.…”

Protein supplementation improves lean body mass in physically active older adults: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial

“…The test was performed on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer (Corival model, Lode Holding Company BV, the Netherlands), and heart rate was measured with a Polar (Polar Electro, RS400 and RS800 model, Kempele, Finland). The maximal volume of oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) was estimated by applying the work rate and mean heart rate of the 5th and 6th minute to the Åstrand normogram, with correction for weight and age …”

“…The maximal volume of oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) was estimated by applying the work rate and mean heart rate of the 5th and 6th minute to the Åstrand normogram, with correction for weight and age. 20,21 Physical activity Habitual physical activity was assessed at baseline by the Short Questionnaire to Assess Health enhancing physical activity questionnaire, which is considered a valid and reliable method in older adults. 22 This self-administered questionnaire estimates habitual level of physical activity during a normal week over the past month, with questions about the type, duration, and frequency of activities.…”