Fitness and Training A SIMPLE RUNNING TEST TO ESTIMATE CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS

A SIMPLE RUNNING TEST TO ESTIMATE CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS. V.J. Leibetseder, C. Ekmekcioglu, P. Haber. JEPonline. 2002;5(3):6-13. With the increasing demand to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in leisure time sports and the fitness center setting, more practical tests than the exhaustive ergometric exercise test are desirable. Various submaximal exercise tests have been introduced that estimate VO2max based on the heart rate response to predetermined exercise intensities. However these tests do not estimate VO2max with satisfactory accuracy or reliability. In order to find a submaximal test with acceptable accuracy, we developed a method that measures the physical work at a predetermined heart rate. Seventy-one volunteers performed an incremental exercise test to measure VO2max, and two runs of 2.1 km each, substituting 1.5 km for subjects over 50. The running speeds were regulated by heart rate corresponding to 70% and 90%VO2max (V70 and V90). Simple regression analyses were made between V70 and V90 and VO2max and maximum Watts (Wmax), respectively (V70 vs. VO2max: r =0.36; V70 vs. Wmax: r2=0.48; V90 vs. VO2max: r2=0.56; V90 vs. Wmax: r2=0.69; each: p<0.001). Using multiple regression analyses we added body mass, age, and resting heart rate as further independent variables which increased R2 to 0.85 (p<0.001). In conclusion we suggest that this test is appropriate for general use and for documenting progress of cardiorespiratory training.