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EN109-1413760-47 IFU
VO2max
The VO2 max test performed according to the protocol by Åstrand is a method for predicting the
maximum oxygen uptake capacity at sub-maximum exertion. The essence of the protocol is that the
patient achieves a “steady state” heart rate in a relatively short period of time without severe exertion.
The protocol consists of two parts. The first part is aimed at finding the capacity (in Watt) that the
patient experiences as sub-maximum and can maintain for at least 6 minutes, with the heart rate
being between 130 and 170 beats per minute at the end of the 6 minutes. The second part consists of
cycling at that capacity for 6 minutes.
Results obtained via the Åstrand test can vary approximately 10 % from the values obtained via the
direct method. This makes the Åstrand test less suitable for accurate determination of an individual’s
condition, but it is suitable for monitoring the training progress as the reproducibility is considered
excellent.
3-Minute test
The 3-minute test by Enraf-Nonius is particularly suitable for testing and re-testing patients with a low
capacity over a short period. The reproducibility of the test is very good, allowing for simple
monitoring
of the patient’s progress.
The 3-
minute test is a “constant power” protocol lasting 3 minutes. The set value is calculated
according to: 1 Watt per kg body mass.
The power remains the same during the test and is followed after 3 minutes by a recovery phase.
12-Minute test
The 12-minute fitness test is a heart rate driven protocol, meaning that the subjective exertion by the
patient can be predicted and monitored very accurately. The test is particularly suitable for monitoring
training progress, or to determine the fitness of a group.
The 12-
minute test is a “constant pulse” driven exercise over 12 minutes according to the EN
-Cardio
heart rate algorithm.
The heart rate is set y using the following formula:
target HR = (220
–
Age ) x 0.80 (women)
target HR = (205
–
Age ) x 0.80 (men)
The total work performed by the patient is used to determine a fitness level.
Steep ramp test
The steep ramp test is a relatively short test, which takes approximately 2 or 3 minutes and is used to
estimate the Wmax (maximum exertion capacity) and the VO2 max value (maximum oxygen uptake)
of the participating patient. The patient’s heart rate is also recorded, when the test is completed. After
3 minutes of warming up, the power is increased by 25 Watt every 10 seconds. This is repeated until
the patient becomes exhausted and the crankshaft registers fewer than 60 revolutions per minute.
The cardiovascular burden is relatively low.
