Human Potential and Performance

Validation of NASA Sub-maximal Exertion Test to Predict Peak VO₂
Joshua M. Grahlman
Dr. Alex J. Koch, Faculty Mentor

NASA has an exercise protocol in place for reducing the incidence of decompression sickness. This protocol is set at 75% peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak). Unfortunately, a pre-flight max test must be done to determine the VO_2peak. NASA’s protocol incorporates a VO_2peak value based on a sub-maximal test [90% of the astronauts’ age-predicted max heart rate (HR)]. The protocol has not been validated. This study attempted to validate the NASA protocol. Healthy college-age men and women were recruited to perform two graded exercise tests (GXT) on a cycle ergometer. One GXT was completed until volitional fatigue. The other GXT followed the same protocol; only it was terminated at 90% of the subjects’ age-predicted max HR. VO_2peak values from the two tests were compared using a paired samples t-test. The results indicated no difference between actual max VO_2peak and VO_2peak estimated from 90% max HR.

Keywords: NASA, Decompression, sickness, VO_2peak, cycle ergometer

Topic(s):Health Science

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 32-2
Location: VH 1000
Time: 2:30

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