Aerobic Testing

Question 1

What are the two types of tests used to predict maximum oxygen consumption?

Answer 1

Submaximal tests, specifically predictive tests and performance tests.

Question 2

Why are submaximal tests often preferred in physical therapy?

Answer 2

Patients may have coexisting pain, fatigue, abnormal walking patterns, or balance impairments that make graded exercise tests unreliable.

Question 3

What does VO2 max represent?

Answer 3

Maximum aerobic capacity or the maximum amount of oxygen consumption.

Question 4

How is heart rate used in predictive tests for oxygen consumption?

Answer 4

Heart rate is measured at two or more workloads to establish a linear relationship with oxygen consumption.

Question 5

What is the goal when choosing predictive tests?

Answer 5

To produce sufficient exercise stress without causing physiological or biomechanical strain on the patient.

Question 6

What considerations should be taken into account when selecting a test?

Answer 6

Patient’s medical status, cognitive status, age, weight, and mobility aids used.

Question 7

What is the Astrand and Ryhming test?

Answer 7

A bicycle test performed on an electrically braked cycle ergometer to measure VO2 max.

Question 8

What is the starting workload for the Astrand and Ryhming test based on sex?

Answer 8

For women, 75 to 100 watts; for men, slightly higher; older/untrained individuals may start lower.

Question 9

How long does the first workload of the Astrand and Ryhming test last?

Answer 9

Six minutes at a pedal speed of 50 revolutions per minute (RPM).

Question 10

When should heart rate be recorded during the Astrand and Ryhming test?

Answer 10

The heart rate is measured during the last 15 to 20 seconds of each minute for six minutes.

Question 11

What heart rate range indicates that the test can be completed?

Answer 11

If the heart rate after five minutes is between 130 and 170 beats per minute, with less than five beats difference between minutes five and six.

Question 12

What should be done if the heart rate is not within the target range?

Answer 12

The workload should be increased, and the test is repeated for another six minutes.

Question 13

How is VO2 max determined from the Astrand and Ryhming test?

Answer 13

By plotting the mean heart rates from the last two minutes of the workload on a graph, which intersects with the work level to find the corresponding VO2 max.

Question 14

What does a heart rate of 144 at 600 watts indicate in the Astrand and Ryhming test?

Answer 14

The estimated VO2 max can be found by determining where the line crosses on the graph, resulting in a value of approximately 3.4 liters per minute for a woman.

Question 15

What is the step test used for in physical therapy?

Answer 15

It is a submaximal predictive exercise test to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max).

Question 16

What is the significance of the linear relationship in the step test?

Answer 16

It allows for the prediction of maximum oxygen consumption based on heart rate response during the test.

Question 17

What patient group was the step test validated for?

Answer 17

A group of women in their mid-40s with systemic lupus erythematosus, who often experience fatigue.

Question 18

How is the age-predicted maximum heart rate calculated for the step test?

Answer 18

220 minus the patient’s age, then multiplied by 0.65 to get 65% of the maximum.

Question 19

How do you convert weight from pounds to kilograms?

Answer 19

Divide the weight in pounds by 2.2.

Question 20

What is the height of the step used in the step test?

Answer 20

A 13-inch step.

Question 21

What is the stepping rate for Stage 1 of the test?

Answer 21

17 steps per minute (up, up, down, down, etc.).

Question 22

How long does each stage of the step test last?

Answer 22

Each stage lasts three minutes.

Question 23

What heart rate measurement is taken after each stage?

Answer 23

The heart rate is recorded immediately after the three minutes of stepping.

Question 24

What should be done if the heart rate does not reach 65% of the age-predicted maximum after Stage 1?

Answer 24

Proceed to Stage 2, which involves stepping at a faster rate.

Question 25

What is the stepping rate for Stage 2 of the test?

Answer 25

26 steps per minute.

Question 26

What is the stepping rate for Stage 3 of the test?

Answer 26

34 steps per minute.

Question 27

How is the stage VO2 calculated in the step test?

Answer 27

By multiplying a constant (specific to the stage) by body weight in kilograms and dividing by 1,000.

Question 28

What is the formula for calculating uncorrected VO2 max?

Answer 28

Stage VO2 divided by the percent VO2 max.

Question 29

What constants are used in the VO2 max calculations?

Answer 29

Constants that differ for men and women and depend on the stage of the test.

Question 30

How is VO2 max normalized for better comparison?

Answer 30

Convert from liters per minute to milliliters per kilogram per minute by multiplying by 1,000 and dividing by body weight.

Question 31

Why are age, sex, body weight, and heart rate important in VO2 predictions?

Answer 31

They all influence oxygen consumption and are essential for accurate calculations.

Question 32

What are some factors to avoid before performing the step test?

Answer 32

Caffeine or energy drinks, as they can affect heart rate and test results.

Question 33

Why is the step test particularly relevant for patients with conditions like lupus?

Answer 33

It provides a safe, simple way to assess aerobic capacity without requiring maximal exertion.