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Page 20
The Fitness Test Programs
Understanding Submaximal Exercise Testing
Before using the StairMaster FreeClimber for submaximal exercise testing, it
should be noted that all submaximal fitness tests make several assumptions:
• That a steady-state heart rate is obtained for each exercise
workload.
• That a linear relationship exists between heart rate, oxygen up
take and workload.
• That the maximal heart rate for a given age is uniform.
• That the mechanical efficiency of the physical activity performed
(i.e., oxygen uptake at a given workload) is the same for every
one.
It should be kept in mind that any one or all of the above mentioned as-
sumptions may not be met during a submaximal exercise test. If for any
reason one of the assumptions is not met, then errors in predicting VO
2 max
will
occur.
Unfortunately, it is often quite difficult to meet all of the requirements
for the four listed assumptions. For example, exercising at a given workload for
only a few minutes can involve an insufficient amount of time for many individu-
als to achieve a true steady-state. To ensure that a steady-state has been
achieved, the heart rate should be measured after two minutes of exercise at a
given workload and again after the third minute of exercise at that workload.
These two heart rates should then be compared. If a difference of more than five
beats per minute between the two is found, the subject should continue to exer-
cise at one-minute intervals at the same workload until two successive heart
rates differ by less than five beats per minute.
It is also important that the submaximal heart rates obtained be
between 115 and 150 beats per minute, because it is within this heart rate range
that a linear relationship tends to exist between heart rate and oxygen uptake or
workload for most adults. When the heart rate is less than 115, many external
factors (e.g., talking, laughing, apprehension, etc.) can greatly influence heart
rate. Once the heart rate reaches a level between 115 and
7000 PT CONSOLE