[Physiological basis for the measurement of aerobic capacity]

Aerobic capacity should be determined from the anaerobic threshold and not from VO2max. The measurement of the anaerobic threshold via heart rate, introduced 1982 by Conconi et al. (3) and meanwhile improved, seems to be of practical value, although a number of fundamental questions remain open. A great advantage is its simple use when compared with the more complicated laboratory methods (respiratory or lactate curves). The determination of the anaerobic threshold based on the heart rate allows, in addition, to optimize the endurance training owing to the help of heart rate control.