Astrand-ryhming Nomogram for Predicting Maximal Oxygen Intake

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of the predicted V02 max from the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram, using the cycle ergometer as the sole exercise mode and following the recommended submaximal test protocol. In addition, two sets of age correction factors were compared for accuracy. Using the Astrand age correction factors, the SEE of the predicted V02 max for the 40 male subjects was .42 L.mini1 or 5.7 ml.kg 1.minf1, (r = .76 and .83, respectively); there was no significant difference between the measured and the predicted means. Although virtually identical SEE and r were found when applying the von Dobeln age correction factors, a significantly lower predicted mean was found (p < .05), which indicated a consistent tendency to underestimate the actual V02 max. These results suggest that the Astrand age correction factors should be used in conjunction with the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram, especially when classifying subjects into various fitness classifications. The original AstrandRyhming nomogram was computed from the data for 58 subjects who performed submaximal tests on a cycle ergometer and maximal tests on either a cycle ergometer or a treadmill (P.-O. Astrand and Ryhming, 1954). However, the 144 subjects tested for the modification of the nomogram used only the cycle ergometer for their submaximal and maximal tests. The data from both sets of subjects were combined to form the modified nomogram (I. Astrand, 1960). The current version of the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram, therefore, was primarily computed using the response to a submaximal cycle ergometer test to predict the V02 max elicited during a maximal ergometer test. At the time of the modification of the nomogram, it was suggested that the cycle ergometer, the treadmill, or the step should be interchangeable for the submaximal test. In addition, an early study (P.-O. Astrand, 1952) of maximal test procedures was cited as demonstrating that cycling and running elicited identical V02 max measurements in young subjects. Subsequent work by many authors does not confirm this generalisation, thus it would appear that the most appropriate method of evaluating the validity of the nomogram would be to duplicate the test modes used for its computation and to use the heart rate response during a submaximal cycle ergometer test to predict the V02 max elicited by a maximal bicycle ergometer test. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predicted V02 max from the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram, using the cycle ergometer as the sole exercise mode and following the recommended procedures for the submaximal test, and to compare the accuracy of the age correction factors associated with the modified nomogram to age correction factors later proposed by von Dobeln, Astrand et al (1967). METHODS The test results of 40 men students between 18 and 33 years of age were used in this study. Fifty-one volunteers completed testing, but only 40 met the criterion used with the maximal test; their physical characteristics were height 179.5 ± 17.03 cm, weight 75.90 ± 11.86 kg and ages 23.8 ± 3.8 years. All tests were performed on a Monark cycle ergometer with the seat height adjusted such that the subject's knee was slightly flexed when the ball of the foot rested on the pedal at the lowest point in a revolu182 group.bmj.com on June 21, 2017 Published by http://bjsm.bmj.com/ Downloaded from