Lab 6: Submaximal Testing

Question 1

Physiological rationale for submax testing

Answer 1

-Can be used as a means for describing the aerobic fitness of an individual
-Allows for prediction of VO2 max based on HR response at a given power or submaximal oxygen consumption

Question 2

Practical rationale for submax testing compared to maximal exercise test

Answer 2

-Low equipment cost
-Low experimenter expertise
-Increased subject comfort
-Lower level of specificity needed

Question 2

Submax tests

Answer 2

Modified harvard step test & YMCA cycle ergometer test

Question 3

Modified Harvard Steptest

Answer 3

-Designed as a maximal exercise test
-Uses modified astrand rhyming nomogram (Diagram with lines)

Question 4

Harvard Step Test Protocol

Answer 4

1. Record resting HR, BP, RPE
2. Set step height
3. Inform participant
4. Set metronome to 90 bpm
5. Record RPE every minute
6. After 5 minutes record HR immediately
7. Take BP & RPE

Question 5

YMCA cycle ergometer test

Answer 5

-Total of four 3-minute stages
-50 rpm
-Begin adding resistance each stage
-Goal: Subject reaches 85% APHR mac

Question 6

APRH/Age Predicted Maximal Heart Rate

Answer 6

APHRmax=220-age

Question 7

Termination criteria for a GXT

Answer 7

-Onset of angina or angina-like symptoms
-Significant drop in SBP or failure of SBP to rise with increased intensity
-Subject requests to stop
-Failure of Hr to increase with intensity
-Noticeable change in heart rhythm
-Physical or verbal manifestations of severe fatigue
-Failure of testing equipment