Objective: assess the athlete’s aerobic capacity
How to conduct the test:
- Collect age, height, weight, and resting heart rate measurements
- Collect exercise heart rate. The heart rate is taken every minute
- The athlete’s 75% MHR is determined – if unknown calculate MHR as 220-age
- Collect recovery heart rate for three to five minutes, and longer if necessary to ensure the safe recovery of the subject
- Estimate the subjects VO2 max using the appropriate population specific equation from the table.
- Convert absolute to relative VO2 max by dividing subjects body weight into KGs.
Analysis
Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.
The athlete’s Aerobic Index is determined by dividing the workload at which the 75% predicted heart rate is achieved by the athlete’s body weight.
Target group
This test is suitable for sprint and endurance athletes and players of endurance sports (eg football, rugby) but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.
