ABSTRACT
The determination of maximal oxygen consumption rate (VO2 max) provides information related to an individual’s level of cardiorespiratory fitness and is a valuable predictor of endurance exercise and sports performance. In Lab 5,the Astrand-Rhyming submaximal cycle ergometer test utilizes the relationship between heart rate and power output to estimate VO2 max. In this laboratory, regression equations for males and females are used to estimate VO2 max without the need for subjects to exercise. The equations in this laboratory utilize demographic variables such as age, height, and body weight as well as descriptive variables related to exercise habits, including the duration of exercise, intensity of exercise, and years of training. Typically, the errors associated with these equations (± 10 to 15 percent) are approximately the same as those for exercise-based estimates of VO2 max. 1–3 The accuracy of the equations, however, is influenced by the level of fitness of the subject and, therefore, in this laboratory equations are provided that can be used for untrained as well as aerobically trained individuals.
