Estimation of energy expenditure in healthy adults from the YMCA submaximal cycle ergometer test

There is a lack of simple field methods for obtaining accurate and reliable information on energy expenditure (EE) during physical activity. This study aims to investigate the validity of the YMCA Submaximal Cycle Ergometer Test to predict EE at submaximal intensities. Twenty-eight participants of each sex volunteered for the study and performed a maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) incremental test, a submaximal exercise test (three 5-min loads at 40%, 55%, and 70% VO(2)max) and the YMCA Test that provides an extrapolation based on heart rate (HR) to predict VO(2) (YMCA VO(2)-HR). Results indicate that predicted VO(2)max from the YMCA Test was significantly different from the gold standard. However, predicted VO(2) at different relative submaximal intensities did not significantly differ from directly measured VO(2). In conclusion, the HR method using the YMCA VO(2)-HR relationship appears to be effective in predicting EE at submaximal intensities but not at maximum efforts.