VO2max Lab – Athlete Protocol

Personnel:
A subject
A test supervisor
A software monitor
A subject/BP monitor

Procedures:

Initial Subject Interaction
Calibrate equipment
Subject completes Medical History / Health Risk Analysis
Review medical history with subject
Identify if testing is contraindicated and if physician should be present
Determine modality and protocol stress test; based upon medical review
Answer all subject’s questions

Pre-testing
Inform subject of test procedures
Demonstrate proper positioning and use of equipment
Review Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale
Treadmill will progressively increase in speed and incline throughout the test
Assure subject they are in control of termination of test
They will be encouraged to continue as long as they can, although they will be very tired at the end
Instruct subject to signal 30 to 60 seconds before they need to stop
Instruct the subject to signal, or let the tester know if they experience and chest discomfort, dizziness, nausea, severe shortness of breath, extreme leg fatigue and the test will terminate
Ask the subject if they have any questions

Graded Exercise Test
Place face mask on subject
Begin test
Every stage
ask subject RPE and record
take and record HR before end of stage
Before progressing to next stage
assess RPE and HR
record signs and symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, or pain
ask subject if they can do more work
tell subject when workload is going to change

Terminating the Test
Termination point of testing
ACSM Guidelines for test termination
Record heart rate, blood pressure, RPE, and take EKG strip

Recovery
Cool down
3 to 5 minutes or when heart rate and blood pressure has returned to recommended levels
keep subject moving and monitor condition
Be cautious, problems often occur during recovery
Verbally ensure the subject is doing well and has recovered from the test
Disconnect the subject from equipment

Data:

Attach copy of GXT sheet from test to this Lab assignment

Protocols:

Treadmill Protocol
Time speed grade
0-1min 4.2 0
1-2min 4.6 1
2-3min 4.9 2
3-4min 5.2 3
4-5min 5.5 4
5-6min 5.8 5
6-7min 6.1 6
7-8min 6.5 7
8-9min 6.8 8
9-10min 7.1 9
10-11min 7.4 10
11-12min 7.7 11
12-13min 8 12

Questions:

1. Calculate the following:

VO2max RER at VO2max VE max Max HR

2. Based on ACSM guidelines, would this be considered a “maximal” test (i.e. did they achieve an actual VO2max)?

3. For an incremental (continuous) exercise test like this, what is an optimal length for the test to occur?

4. Is there a distinctive Anaerobic Threshold (AT)? At what VO2 does it occur and at what % of VO2max does it occur?

5. During calibration, volumes must be converted to STPD (Standard Pressure Temperature Dry). Explain what this conversion is and why it is necessary.

6. A subject continues to exercise despite their RER > 1.0. How is this physiologically possible?