American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 121, No. 3: 382-390
Copyright © 1985 by The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health
research-article |
A SIMPLE, VALID STEP TEST FOR ESTIMATING MAXIMAL OXYGEN UPTAKE IN EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES1
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The authors' modification of the Astrand-Rhyming Cycle Ergometer Test is of short duration, has low initial and peak work rates and was in an earlier study applied for population fitness testing (N = 587) at a survey center after other cardiovascular risk factor measures were obtained in the home. To add fitness testing in the home, the authors have designed a safe, brief 10 inch (25.4 cm) high step test for estimating maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Measured maximal oxygen uptake for step tests has been shown to be approximately 10% higher than that reported for cycle tests. All test instructions and stepping rates were included on a cassette tape; heart rates were monitored by a digital tachograph during the last 30 seconds of stepping. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured directly on a bicycle, estimated by the step test, and measured by the authors' bike test in 48 men and women aged 19–70 years who took part in a community fitness program in Pawtucket, Rhode island in January-February 1983. No significant differences in maximal oxygen uptake were found between the bicycle protocols. The step test estimate of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was significantly higher (12%) than directly measured VO2max, reflecting the expected difference between stepping and cycling. The correlation between direct and both estimates was 0.92. The cross-validation correlation between the estimates was 0.98. The authors' protocol provides accurate estimates of maximal oxygen uptake and is safe and suitable for in-the-home assessment of fitness of people aged 19–70 years for epidemiologic studies.
exercise, physical; physical fitness
1From the Division of Cardiology and of Health Education, The Memorial Hospital, and the Department of Medicine and Community Health, Brown University, Pawtucket and Providence, RI
2Current address: Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation Studies, Lambert Field, House, Rm. 113, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
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