Methods Of Testing Aerobic Capacity

Question 1

Direct gas analysis

Answer 1

Continuous progressive internists test to exhaustion measuring VO2 max using oxygen and co2 concentrations in expired air

Question 2

Direct gas analysis positives

Answer 2

Accurate, valid reliable measurement.

Question 3

Direct gas analysis negatives

Answer 3

Expensive equipment. Exhaustive test not safe for elderly/ health conditions

Question 4

NCF multistage fitness test

Answer 4

Progressive intensity maximal 20 metre shuttle run test. Levels achieved can be compared with standardised tables to predict V02 max

Question 5

Cooper 12 minute run

Answer 5

Continuous maximum intensity test measuring the maximum distance achieved around a 400m running track in 12 minutes to predict VO2 max

Question 6

Pros of cooper run and multistage fitness test

Answer 6

Suitable for large groups, minimal equipment needed, standardised tables available to analyse results

Question 7

Cons of cooper run and multistage fitness test

Answer 7

Exhaustive tests, not suitable for elderly/health conditions. Only a predictive test not measurement. Less suitable for non runners

Question 8

Queens college step test

Answer 8

Continuous three minute step test which uses heart rate recovery to predict VO2 max

Question 9

Pros of queen college step test

Answer 9

Sun maximal test safe for elderly/health conditions
Standardised table available to analyse results and minimal equipment needed

Question 10

Cons of queens college step test

Answer 10

Only a predictive test not a measurement.
Step may be too high for some