[Comparison and the repeatability of Astrand-Ryhming nomogram cycle ergometer protocol and Kline's walking test for...

The aim of the study was to compare and investigate the repeatability of two tests for predicting the maximal oxygen uptake: the Kline's walking test and the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram cycle ergometer protocol. Both tests were performed twice on separate days by 15 female students aged 20-25. Medium value of VO2max (ml/min/kg) in the walking test was in first trial 59.46 +/- 3.16, and in second 59.99 +/- 3.36, and in Astrand-Ryhming nomogram cycle ergometer protocol in first trial 41.75 +/- 6.91, and in second 42.18 +/- 6.09. The coefficient of variation was 5.31 and 5.6 in first and second trials of walking test, and 16.54 and 14.43 in first and second trial of Astrand-Ryhming nomogram cycle ergometer protocol. Blind-Altman diagram showed that both tests are acceptable for maximal oxygen uptake prediction. There was no correlation between both tests, and in Astrand-Ryhming nomogram cycle ergometer protocol there was correlation between VO2max and BMI. The results showed that both tests could be used for prediction of VO2max; however the repeatability and precision was better in the walking test, which could be recommended for VO2max prediction, especially in the situation when submaximal tests are preferable. It is not recommended to apply various tests in the same person to detect the changes in VO2max.