Aerobic Protocols

Question 1

mCAFT

Answer 1

• HR monitor
• Marker on the wall and instruct client to concentrate it during stepping
• Determine starting stage
• Demonstrate stepping sequence
  o Both feet on top step
  o Fully extend leg
  o Stand up straight
• Calculate VO2max

Question 2

Treadmill Walking Test

Answer 2

• Marker on wall in front of treadmill
• 4 minute warm up at 3.4-4 mph at 0% grade
• HR should be between 50 and 70% during warm up
  o Initial walking speed may be adjusted within first two minutes of walking
• After 4 minutes: 4 minutes at 5% grade (same speed as warm up)
• SSHR achieved in min 3 and 4, if not: additional minute and record SSHR for 4.00 and 5.00

Question 3

YMCA cycle ergometer test

Answer 3

• Test ends when HR is raised above 110 bpm and within 10 beats of 85% age predicted HRmax for 2 consecutive workloads
• Cadence: 50 rpm
• Record SSHR by averaging the last 2 min on the YMCA data collection form
  o SSHR must not differ by more than 5bpm
  o If SSHR not obtained, extend the test by an additional minute and record the SSHR from the new final 2 min
  o Also record RPE at the end of each workload
• SSHR at end of first workload determines loading sequence for next 2 or 3 workloads

Question 4

General Protocol

Answer 4

• Explain purpose and general procedure of aerobic assessment protocol to client
• Familiarize client to ergometer
• Calculate 85%Hrmax (and 50-70%HRmax for the Treadmill Test)
• Warm-up (if applicable)
• Monitor and record HR every minute
• Monitor RPE every stage during exercise
• Monitor client symptoms for intolerance to exercise throughout
• Terminate test and immediately move to post-exercise recovery protocol

Question 5

Post-Exercise Recovery

Answer 5

1. Active recovery for 3 minutes immediately following termination of aerobic protocol
   • Duration/intensity can be selected by client but should be <1st workload
   • Record HR every 1 min
   • If client wants more active recovery, then extend by 2 minutes
2. After active recovery, client can be seated for passive recovery
   • Continue to record HR every 1 min
   • Measure BP at 1 and 3 minutes of passive recovery
3. At 3 min of passive recovery, HR & BP should be below screening cutoffs
   • If both HR & BP are below screening cutoffs, then proceed to MSK tests
   • If HR or BP still above screening cutoffs, then give another 2 min rest, then re-measure HR
   & BP.