The Cross-Validation of the United States Air Force Submaximal Cycle Ergometer Test to Estimate Aerobic Capacity
Abstract
Two hundred and seven subjects (males, n=103; females, n=104) between the ages of 18 and 54 volunteered for this study to determine the accuracy of the USAF submaximal cycle ergometry (SCE) test versus treadmill (TM). The analysis shows that USAF SCE VO sub (2max) estimates are valid for males and females in this age range. For males, baseline SCE underpredicted VO (2max) by 2.2 ml/kg/min, had a moderately high correlation (r=0.85), and acceptably low standard error of the estimate (SEE, 6.7 ml/kg/min). For females, baseline SCE overestimated VO sub (2max) by 2.2 ml/kg/min. For females, correlation was moderately high (r=0.85) with a relatively low SEE (5.5 ml/kg/min, 16.6%). Repeat SCE did not increase accuracy. Adjusting power output to achieve higher steady state heart rates improved correlations and lowered SEE. SCE was more closely related to TM VO sub (2max) than to maximal cycle measures. Finally, 102 subjects completed a YMCA SCE test. For males, the YMCA test overpredicted VO sub (2max). Correlation and SEE were not satisfactory (r=0.63 and SEE=9.8 ml/kg/ min). For females, the YMCA test was equally good or slightly better than the USAF SCE in estimating VO sub 2max. USAF SCE sensitivity was 75%. Specificity was 96%. Suggestions to further improve USAF SCE validity and accuracy are offered. Aerobic capacity, Cycle ergometry, Physical fitness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA284055
Entities
People
- David T. Lowenthal
- Diego Dehoyos
- Galila Werber
- Linda Garzarella
- Matt Beekley
- Michael L. Pollock
- William Brechue