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RELIABILITY OF THE TOTAL BODY RECUMBENT STEPPER SUBMAXIMAL EXERCISE TEST

Abstract

David R. Wilson, Anna E. Mattlage, Abdulfattah S. Alqahtani, Nicole M. Seier, Jonathan D. Todd, Brian G. Price & Sandra A. Billinger

University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City Kansas

Submaximal exercise testing presents a practical alternative for measurement of cardio-respiratory fitness in a clinical setting where peak exercise testing my not be feasible. Previously, our lab developed a prediction equation to estimate peak VO2 using a total body recumbent stepper (TBRS) based on the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) protocol. The peak VO2 prediction equation was cross-validated in a group of healthy adults and in individuals 60-80 years of age. However, we have not yet tested the reliability of the TBRS submaximal exercise test. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to determine the reliability of the TBRS submaximal exercise test in healthy adults from 20-70 years of age. METHODS: A total of 40 subjects (27 M, 13 F, 39.6 yrs ± 10.3) were recruited from the Kansas City Metro and surrounding area and screened to determine eligibility. Subjects completed 2 submaximal exercise tests separated by a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 5 days. Testing was conducted at similar times of day. Participants were informed not to consume food or drink (except water) within 2-3 hours of the exercise tests and avoid caffeinated products for 6 hours prior to the exercise test. Participants were asked to avoid vigorous physical activity for 24 hours prior to exercise testing. Height, weight, pre-exercise HR and blood pressure (BP) were obtained prior to exercise testing. Data was analyzed using SPSS for test-retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) computation. RESULTS: We found a significant correlation between predicted peak VO2 at visit 1 and visit 2 (ICC 2,1 = 0.986, CI =.974-.993). Repeated Measures ANOVA showed no significant difference in predicted values between visits (p= 0.153). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the TBRS submaximal exercise test and peak VO2 prediction equation can be used to reliably predict peak oxygen consumption. This is essential information for clinical professionals who want to provide their patients or clients with information regarding their cardiorespiratory fitness.

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