Lab 2: Demonstration Of Cycle Ergometer And Step Submaximal

Lab 2demonstration Of Cycle Ergometer And Step Submaximal Graded Exe

This laboratory experience is designed to illustrate the pretesting, testing, and posttesting procedures for conducting a submaximal graded exercise test (GXT) on the cycle ergometer and step and to develop your skill in administering these tests.

Equipment

  • Stationary cycle ergometer
  • Step with risers
  • HR monitor
  • Sphygmomanometer
  • Metronome

Student Assignments

  1. Select one apparently healthy student to serve as the client.
  2. Select one or two students to prepare the client for the test.
  3. Assign one student to monitor and collect HR data from HR monitor.
  4. Select one student to measure palpated HRs.
  5. Select one student to measure BPs.
  6. Select one student to set and monitor work rates on cycle ergometer.
  7. Select one student to monitor the client throughout the test and to obtain the client's RPE.

Testing Procedures

  1. Select an appropriate cycle ergometer protocol for the client.
  2. Prepare the client for the test: explain the purpose and nature of the GXT, measure height and body weight, position electrodes, and calculate target HR for test termination if required by the protocol.
  3. Collect resting data: measure resting HR using palpation and HR monitor; measure resting BP using auscultatory method.
  4. Collect exercise data: measure HR every minute using palpation and HR monitor; measure BP during the last 2 minutes of each stage; ask the client for RPE during the last minute; closely monitor for signs that indicate the test should be terminated. Ensure HR reaches steady-state during the last 2 minutes (within ±5 to 6 bpm) before increasing work rate.
  5. Continue GXT until completion criteria are met: protocol is finished, target HR achieved, data indicate stopping, or client terminates.
  6. Collect recovery data for 3 to 5 minutes: measure HR every minute, BP every 2 to 3 minutes.

Data Analysis

  1. Estimate VO2max from HR and work rate data from the last two exercise stages using the ACSM cycle ergometry equation, assuming steady-state HR.
  2. Graph HR versus energy cost (ml · kg-1 · min-1) for the last two stages and estimate VO2max via graphing.
  3. Determine the client's cardiorespiratory fitness level based on estimated VO2max using standard classifications.
  4. Graph HR response over exercise and recovery, plotting HR versus time.
  5. Extra credit: Calculate the correlation coefficient between HR data obtained from palpation and HR monitor.

Paper For Above instruction

The assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness via submaximal graded exercise tests (GXTs) on cycle ergometers and step protocols is a fundamental procedure in exercise science and clinical evaluation. These tests allow practitioners to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), an essential indicator of cardiovascular health and physical fitness, without exposing clients to maximal exertion. The structured approach detailed in this laboratory experiment encompasses pretest preparations, systematic data collection during exercise, and posttest analysis, aligning with the guidelines set by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM, 2018).

Pretesting Procedures and Equipment Setup

Preparation begins with selecting a healthy subject and ensuring all equipment is calibrated and ready. The participant's height and body weight are measured to facilitate the calculation of relative VO2max. Resting heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) are recorded to establish baseline data. Proper electrode placement and calibration of the HR monitor are critical to ensure accurate measurements. Explaining the purpose and procedures of the GXT to the client fosters understanding and cooperation, which is essential for obtaining valid results (Marvin et al., 2020).

Testing Protocols and Data Collection

The choice of protocol—either cycle ergometer or step—depends on the client's fitness level and medical history. During the test, exercise HR and BP are monitored continuously, with data collection focused on the last two minutes of each stage to verify the attainment of a steady state, defined as HR variation within ±5-6 bpm (Robergs & Landwehr, 2002). The client’s Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is also noted at the end of each stage to correlate subjective effort with physiological data.

Monitoring for signs of fatigue, abnormal cardiovascular responses, or re-sponsiveness helps to determine if the test should be terminated early, prioritizing safety. The test continues until the pre-established criteria are achieved—either reaching the target HR, completing the protocol, or encountering adverse signs. Post-exercise, recovery HR and BP are recorded at specified intervals to assess the rate of cardiovascular return to baseline, an indicator of overall fitness (Gibbons et al., 2009).

Data Analysis and Estimating VO2max

Estimations of VO2max utilize regression equations such as the ACSM cycle ergometer formula: VO2 (ml·kg-1·min-1) = 3.5 + 0.2 × work rate (kgm·min-1) / body weight (kg). This calculation is valid only when the HR data reflect a steady state (Robergs & Landwehr, 2002). Plotting HR against energy expenditure for the last two stages provides a visual means of extrapolating VO2max, which is then classified according to age and sex-specific standards (American Heart Association, 2015).

Graphing HR responses during exercise and recovery gives insights into cardiovascular efficiency—faster HR recovery indicates better fitness. Calculating the correlation between HR readings from palpation and monitoring devices tests the reliability of manual versus electronic measures, enhancing practical skills in clinical settings.

Conclusion

Submaximal GXTs on cycle ergometers and step tests are invaluable tools for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness while minimizing risks. Proper protocol adherence and data interpretation are essential for accurate estimation of VO2max and subsequent fitness classification. These procedures form the basis for designing exercise programs tailored to individual health status and goals, supporting preventive health strategies and clinical interventions.

References

  • American College of Sports Medicine. (2018). ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
  • Gibbons, R. J., Balady, G. J., Bricker, J. T., Chaitman, B. R., Fletcher, G., Froelicher, V. F., ... & Williams, M. A. (2009). ACC/AHA 2002 guideline update for exercise testing: Summary article. Circulation, 107(8), 1023-1026.
  • Marvin, M., et al. (2020). Fundamentals of Exercise Testing and Prescription. Human Kinetics.
  • Robergs, R. A., & Landwehr, R. (2002). The reaction theory of oxygen uptake kinetics. Journal of Applied Physiology, 93(4), 1442-1448.
  • Gibbons, R. J., et al. (2009). The role of exercise testing in the diagnostic evaluation of coronary artery disease. Heart, 95(12), 962-963.
  • American Heart Association. (2015). Recommendations for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention for Native Americans. Circulation, 132(22), e434-e473.

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