Long-term exergonic system: the aerobic system

Edited by Dr. Stefano Casali

Indirect Maximum Oxygen Consumption Tests

They do not use complex equipment and methods, as they can also be used in the field. They provide information on the state of form of a population (control of Physical Fitness) or in the aptitude selection of youth activities, while on the individual, they offer a very simple method to follow the variations, even weekly, of aerobic metabolism.

They are divided into:Ceilings and Sub-ceilings

Indirect Maximum Tests

They are based on the following assumptions:

• The maximum intensity of a predominantly aerobic exercise (lasting more than 6 minutes) that a subject can sustain is determined by his / her VO2max;
• A higher aerobic power corresponds to VO2max;
• With the same performance, a higher aerobic power corresponds to a mechanical power, therefore a higher maximum speed;
• The energy cost of running or other modes of exercise is on average the same in all subjects.

Critical considerations on the Astrand and Margaria tests

• Estimation errors of 10% (trained, overestimated); 15% (untrained, underestimated), for a lower HR with the same VO2
• HR does not have a linear, constant and equal relationship with VO2 in all subjects, not even at submaximal loads (especially in old age);
• The HR / VO2 relationship should not depend on sex, in reality women and children must achieve a higher HR for the same VO2;
• The mechanical efficiency is not constant in all subjects and for the whole test, the inter-individual variations in energy cost are 4-5% at the cycle ergometer (usually 23%) and even 7% at the step (low energy cost, VO2 max. inferior);
• Age is not considered (overestimated VO2 max of the elderly), or that calculated by the simplistic Cooper formula (220 - age) is assumed as HR max;
• HR is influenced by variables that are not easily controlled (temperature, emotions, training, digestion, type of exercise, salt and water balance, drugs, etc.), so the daily variability is greater (10%) than that of VO2 (5% ).

Correction factors for estimating VO2max based on the subject's age or when his HRmax is known.

The correction factor must be multiplied by the value obtained from the monogram (From Astrand and Rodahl, 1997).

AGE"

FACTOR

HR MAX

FACTOR

15
25
35
40
45
50
55
60
65

1,1
1
0,87
0,83
0,78
0,75
0,71
0,68
0,65

210
200
190
180
170
160
150

1,12
1
0,93
0,83
0,75
0,69
0,64

General principles of methodology

Whenever an evaluation protocol is defined, it should be evaluated first of all in relation to some peculiar characteristics of each measurement system:

• Accuracy;
• Specificity;
• Validity;
• Repeatability.

Accuracy:

It identifies the margin of error that is committed in carrying out the measurements; it derives from the calibration of the measuring instrument and from the error introduced, in the procedures, by the human component.

Specificity:

It measures how close the test is to sports performance and derives from the previous identification of the physical and physiological parameters of the sport it intends to analyze.

Validity:

It refers to the precision with which the evaluation test provides a reliable numerical value of the physiological quantity that it is intended to estimate.

Repeatability:

Indicates the difference found in the individual measures through the reproduction, under the same conditions, of the same test; to the factors already mentioned for accuracy, those of biological variability must be added.

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Other articles on "Indirect Maximum Oxygen Consumption Tests"

1. VO2max test
2. The aerobic system
3. Oxygen debt