Although some versions of step tests are done on individuals in a medical/fitness office setting, this form of administration is much less common than the use of the test within a field setting. There are several protocols that may be used to conduct a laboratory submaximal exercise test for the prediction of cardio fitness using various testing modalities, from the bench step, to the cycle, to the treadmill. The key distinguishing feature of these tests is that they limit the client’s effort to less than maximal exertion. In many cases, these tests require multiple stages or levels. That is why we will cover submaximal test to provide estimate of cardio fitness.Ī submaximal exercise test is one that requires the client to perform a fixed amount of work per unit of time. This exercise test method should be used for individual approach, it involves more time, expanse, and skilled personnel as well as a higher level of risk, it is not always feasible or desired. Maximal exercise testing is usually preferred when greater accuracy is needed such as elite athletes, but it can be used for recreational purpose, especially when treatment decisions will be influenced by the cardio fitness level. Every effort should be taken to choose the appropriate exercise protocol given an individual’s characteristics and minimize handrail use during testing on a treadmill. Often, overestimation is more likely to occur with an exercise protocol that is chosen which is too aggressive for a given individual (e.g., Bruce treadmill protocol in patients with heart failure). It is important to understand that by estimating O2max, there is a potential for error. – the availability of appropriate equipment and qualified personnel. – your reasons for administering the test (physical fitness testing or clinical testing), and your client’s risk stratification (low risk, moderate risk, or high risk), The selection of a maximal or submaximal GXT depends on: You may use a maximal or submaximal graded exercise test (GXT) to assess the cardiorespiratory fitness of the individual. In this module we will explain tests you can use for individual or group assessment of cardio fitness. It is the capacity of the heart, lungs, and blood to deliver oxygen to the working muscles during dynamic exercise involving large muscle mass. The VO2max, or rate of oxygen uptake during maximal exercise, is widely accepted as the criterion measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. Finally, we already covered the evidence that establishes a low level of CRF as an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and other research studies, which clearly demonstrate the importance of CRF. Cardio fitness, in combination with other exercise test measurements, can provide valuable clinical information, both prognostic and diagnostic, for patients with or without chronic diseases. The individual with low cardio fitness will only be able to perform these same activities, if at all, with maximal or near maximal effort and will fatigue quickly. The highly fit individual can easily perform occupational and recreational activities that require daily activities, such as carrying groceries upstairs, riding a bicycle at moderate speed, shoveling snow, or playing singles tennis. This can be demonstrated in part by comparing two individuals with high or low cardio fitness. Purely from a fitness perspective, level of cardio fitness can be used to provide motivation for an individual considering participation in a physical activity or exercise program, to individualize the exercise prescription, and to track progress within an exercise program.Īnother important value of the assessment of CRF is that it directly relates to an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks. There are many desirable outcomes from the assessment of the cardio fitness. Every physical fitness evaluation should include an assessment of cardiorespiratory function during both rest and exercise. It represents the ability to perform dynamic exercise involving large muscle groups at moderate-to-high intensity for prolonged periods. Cardiorespiratory endurance is one of the most important components of physical fitness.
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