The validity of four bicycle ergometer tests

The aim of this study was to compare the validity of four physical work and performance tests on bicycle ergometers commonly used in Sweden. The following four tests were compared: a) a work test of submaximal character designed for estimation of the maximal oxygen uptake of the individual (Vo2 max); b) a work test of maximal character designed for estimation of the highest work load an individual can sustain for 6 minutes (Wmax6min); c) the Cycling Strength and Endurance Test (CSET)-a performance test of maximal character consisting of a series of intermittently determined terminal thresholds; and d) a flexible work test of maximal character, the Individually Adapted Work Test (the IA-test): by a feedback mechanism the highest work load an individual can be expected to sustain for 4 minutes is determined. Criteria were cross-country runs (altogether 4) arranged a short time before and after the tests on the bicycle ergometer. Subjects were military conscripts, aged 17-25. When comparisons were made between the best prediction variable of each test, no significant differences were obtained. The size of the validity coefficients was .55-.70. However, the maximal work tests showed the highest validity coefficients. The investigation indicates that, when a work test is to be chosen, the problem, the practical conditions and the resources available should guide this choice.