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A behavioral and environmental intervention to reduce false-positives in submaximal bicycle ergometry testing
D N Lombard1, W S Poston, T N Lombard
1Department of Psychology, 89th Medical Group, Andrews Air Force Base, MD 20331-5450, USA.
Military Medicine
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Anxiety reduction techniques, including removing heart rate feedback and offering relaxation, improve physical fitness test results. This intervention was particularly effective for females, enhancing VO2max estimates and reducing heart rate during testing.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Submaximal cycle ergometry testing (CET) is a common method for assessing physical fitness.
- Pre-test anxiety can elevate heart rate, potentially leading to inaccurate fitness estimations (false-positives).
- Reducing anxiety before CET is crucial for obtaining reliable physical fitness data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a low-cost, technician-administered intervention to reduce anxiety during submaximal cycle ergometry testing (CET).
- To determine if removing heart rate feedback, cognitive distraction, and controlled breathing techniques improve test outcomes.
- To investigate gender-specific effects of the anxiety reduction intervention.
Main Methods:
- A technician-administered intervention involving removal of heart rate feedback, cognitive distraction, and controlled breathing techniques was implemented.
- The study assessed changes in test passing rates, heart rate (HR) at minute 1, average HR, and VO2max estimates.
- Participants were analyzed based on gender to identify differential effects of the intervention.
Main Results:
- Removing HR feedback and employing relaxation/distraction techniques consistently increased the passing rate and decreased HR at minute 1.
- The intervention significantly improved VO2max estimates, lowered average HR, and increased passing rates for female subjects.
- No significant effects of the intervention were observed for male subjects across any treatment condition.
Conclusions:
- A minimal anxiety reduction intervention can enhance the accuracy of submaximal cycle ergometry testing (CET).
- The intervention, particularly the removal of HR feedback and relaxation techniques, is effective in improving fitness test outcomes, especially for females.
- Further research is needed to understand the lack of effect in males and optimize interventions for diverse populations.