Astrand 6 minute Cycle Test

CompuTrainer is best in its class by a wide margin. It sets the industry standard for accuracy (± 2.5%), and power (1500 watts). Cycling and triathlon coaches worldwide use CompuTrainer as their primary testing instrument. USA Triathlon and USA Cycling test and train their team athletes with CompuTrainer. In this video I used Computrainer Coaching Software version 1.6 in manual ERG mode.

Åstrand Bike Test

6 minute submaximal exercise test

Introduction

Submaximal testing is an important tool in physiotherapy. It is commonly used in practical settings and across different subject groups. This manual is designed to be used in conjunction with the digital video found in the HvA Mediatheek, Digital Library Service. Both the video and this manual were produced by third year ESP students for their Professional Assignment Project.

What is submaximal testing, when and how is it used?

The ability to do aerobic exercise is very important for activities of daily living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Aerobic capacity can be tested to measure the ability to do exercise specifically by measuring the amount of oxygen required (VO2). Unlike anaerobic power, which is related to local muscular strength and to the amount and rate of ATP produced by the anaerobic metabolic pathways (ATP-PC system and anaerobic glycolysis), aerobic power reflects the ability of the lungs, blood, heart, muscles, and other organs and organ systems to transport and utilize O2 via the aerobic metabolic pathways; determining a person's level of cardiorespiratory fitness has therefore both general and clinical applications (Foss M.L. & Keteyian S.J., 1998). The measurement of maxVO2 can be used in a variety of different settings: elite athlete, healthy individuals in the fitness setting, and persons with known diseases or classified as high risk (for example, heart disease and obesity). In the latter group, persons with chronic disease or disability, it is vital to know their maxVO2 as many of these people have a very low ability to consume and utilize oxygen. Maximal steady-state oxygen consumption (VO2MSS) is in the usual range of 40% to 70% of maxVO2. Many people with a chronic disease or disability have a maxVO2 that is below the 40% maxVO2 that is required for activities of daily living, employment, and maintenance of individual independence, resulting in a lower quality of life (Durstine J.L. & Moore G.E., 2003).

Tools needed to perform the test

1. Cycle ergometer
2. Heart Rate Monitor
3. Weight Scale
4. Pen and paper
5. Timer
6. Metronome or cadence sensor
7. Astrand Nomogram

The Test

Summary of Test Procedures
1. Measure and record the participant's basic data (i.e., age, height, weight, etc.) onto Form 14.2.

2. Adjust the seat height so that the cyclist's leg is slightly bent with the ball of the foot on the pedal at the full down stroke (Figure 14.5).

3. Instruct the participant to begin pedaling at the desired pedaling rate, typically 50 rpm during the Astrand Cycle Test, although faster rates ranging up to 90 rpm can be used. If a metronome is to be used, it should be started at this point to help the participant maintain the desired pedaling rate.

4. Set the cycle ergometer to the desired initial power by adjusting either the braking force (on a constant force ergometer) or the power (on a constant power ergometer) and begin timing the test.

5. Determine heart rate (by any method) within the last 30 s of each minute and record on Form 14.2.

6. At the 3:00 mark, if the exercise heart rate is within the desired range (Table 14.4), maintain the same power on the cycle ergometer. If heart rate is below the desired range, raise the power 25- 75 W. If heart rate is above the desired range, lower the power 25-50 W (Table 14.4).

7. At the 6 minutes, if the difference in heart rates between min 5 and 6 was 10 bpm or less, end the test. If the difference was greater than 10 bpm, continue the test until the difference in heart rates between the final two minutes is 10 bpm or less.

8. Lower the power on the cycle ergometer to 25- 50 W and instruct the participant to continue cycling (cool down) until the heart rate is less than 100 bpm.

9. Estimate absolute maximal oxygen consumption (L•min- 1) from heart rate and cycle power using Table 14.5. Correct the V02max for age using Table 14.6. Calculate the relative V02max (ml•kg- 1-min- 1) and determine a fitness category from Table 14.7. Complete the rest of Form 14.2.

Music, Rods and Cones, Blue Man Group, 2006

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