ABSTRACT
Maximal oxygen uptake ( O2max) is the most appropriate indicator of cardiovascular fitness and is often directly assessed during a graded exercise test (GXT). However, due to the practical concerns of conducting exhaustive exercise tests with non-athletic or patient populations a number of submaximal test protocols have been developed. These include the Åstrand-Ryhming nomogram (Åstrand and Ryhming, 1954), the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) cycle test (Golding et al., 1982), and the Rockport Fitness Walking Test (Kline et al., 1987), among others. Submaximal exercise tests provide a safe and practical means of assessing aerobic fitness for individuals who are likely to be limited by pain and fatigue, abnormal gait, or impaired balance (Noonan and Dean, 2000).
