36th Annual Student Research Conference
Effects of Load Order on Prediction of VO2 Max in Cycle Ergometry Among College Men
Brooklyn J. Smyser
Dr. Jerry Mayhew, Faculty Mentor
Cycle ergometry to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) has been a popular technique since the 1950s. Heart rate response to a given workload is extrapolated to estimate VO2 max. Question remains whether a low load is a better predictor of VO2 max than a high load. The purpose of this study was to compare high and low ergometer loads for prediction of VO2 max in college men. Men were randomly assigned initially to perform a low load (LL, n=85) or high load (HL, n=69) Astrand test. On a different day, participants used the opposite load to repeat the test. Predicted VO2 max values were not significantly different (p = 0.90) between the LL (-0.3±18.7%) or HL (-0.3±19.6%) groups and produced minimal variations between days (±2.5 ml/kg/min). Thus, it appears there is little difference in predicted VO2 max values when loads are varied.
Keywords: VO2 Max, Cycle Ergometry, Heart rate, Load order
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 3-4
Location: Student Union Building Activities Room
Time: 3:00