Modified Isoinertial-Based Ruffier Test in Healthy Individuals: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Sports Medicine
• Cardiorespiratory Physiology

Background:

• Cardiorespiratory fitness is crucial in sports science and medicine.
• The traditional Ruffier test estimates maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) via 30 squats in 45 seconds.
• The classic Ruffier test can be challenging for novice individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a modified, inertial-based Ruffier test.
• To evaluate a version with 10 squats in 15 seconds for cardiorespiratory fitness assessment.
• To compare the modified test with the classic Ruffier test.

Main Methods:

• Administered both classic and isoinertial Ruffier tests to 35 healthy young adults.
• Utilized two one-sided tests to confirm comparability within equivalence bounds.
• Developed a VO2max prediction model using regression analysis.

Main Results:

• The isoinertial Ruffier test is comparable to the classic version (equivalence bounds ±3.726).
• A prediction model incorporating gender, age, body weight, heart rate difference, and index achieved R²=0.937.
• The model demonstrated high sensitivity (0.89) and specificity (0.81).

Conclusions:

• The inertial Ruffier test is a feasible method for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness.
• This modified test is quick, safe, and easy to perform.
• The test is suitable for fitness centers and primary care settings.