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The ability of a submaximal cycle ergometer test to detect longitudinal changes in VO2max
Frida Björkman1,2, Örjan Ekblom3,4, Elin Ekblom-Bak3,4
1Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, P.O Box 5626, 114 86, Stockholm, Sweden. frida.bjorkman@gih.se.
BMC Sports Science, Medicine & Rehabilitation
|December 15, 2021
Summary
The Ekblom-Bak cycling test accurately tracks changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) over 5-8 years, showing good precision despite individual variations. Further research is needed for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessment
Background:
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Longitudinal tracking of VO2max is crucial for monitoring training adaptations and health status.
- Submaximal tests offer a practical alternative to maximal testing for repeated assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Ekblom-Bak (EB) submaximal cycling test's ability to detect changes in VO2max over 5-8 years.
- To assess the agreement between measured and estimated VO2max changes over time.
Main Methods:
- 35 adults (29-63 years) underwent baseline and follow-up EB submaximal cycling tests and maximal treadmill tests (5-8 years apart).
- Statistical analyses included correlation, paired t-tests, and Bland-Altman plots to compare measured and estimated VO2max.
- Repeated measures ANOVA assessed differences based on work rate consistency during testing.
Main Results:
- No significant change in mean measured VO2max, but substantial individual variability was observed.
- A strong correlation (r=0.75) was found between changes in measured and estimated VO2max.
- The EB test demonstrated reasonable precision in detecting VO2max changes over the study period.
Conclusions:
- The EB submaximal cycling test is a precise tool for monitoring longitudinal VO2max changes over 5-8 years.
- Further investigation is warranted to determine its utility in clinical populations and with varying medication use.
