RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

[TITLE]

[FIRST NAME LAST NAME]

[CLASS MEETING DAY & TIME]

[SUBMISSION DATE]
RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

LAB THREE

TEST 1: Queens College Step Test

Client’s Name: ________________________________________________ Sex: _________

Record your client’s results here:
15 second palpation HR = 23 in beats/min: 92
VO2max Formula:
• VO2max = 111.33 – (0.42 x 92 bpm)
• VO2max = 111.33 – 38.64

VO2max = 72.69

Record your results here:

15 second palpation HR = 23 in beats/min: 92
VO2max Formula:
• VO2max = 111.33 – (0.42 x 92 bpm)
• VO2max = 111.33 – 38.64

VO2max = 72.69

Record opposite gender results here if necessary (name:_____________________)

15 second palpation HR = ______ in beats/min: __________
VO2max Formula:

VO2max = ____________
RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

TEST 2: YMCA Bench Step Test

Record your client’s results here:

1 minute recovery HR (palpation) = 108

Your client’s criterion-referenced CRF = below average

Record your results here:

1 minute recovery HR (palpation) = 84

Your criterion-referenced CRF = good

Record opposite gender results here if necessary (name:_____________________)

1 minute recovery HR (palpation) = ________

Your criterion-referenced CRF = ________

RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

SUBMAXIMAL BIKE TESTS

CYCLE ERGOMETER TESTS:

TEST 3: YMCA MULTISTAGE CYCLE TEST

Client’s Name: ____________________ Client Age: 22 yr. Age predicted max HR: 198 bpm

85% of Age predicted max HR: 168 bpm (max HR * .85)

Time RPE
Stage HR BP Work Rate
(min) (6-20)

1 X X

1 2 96 X 8 .5 kp

3 96 110/89

4 X X
1.5 kp
2 5 116 X 12

6 120 120/90

7 X X
2.0 kp
3 8 126 X 15

9 131 125/93

10 X X

4 11 X

12

1st Stage = 0.5 kp/150 kg∙m∙min-1/25 Watts

HR <80 HR 80-89 HR 90-100 HR >100

2nd Stage 2.5 kp 2.0 kp 1.5 kp 1.0 kp

750 kg∙m∙min-1 600 kg∙m∙min-1 450 kg∙m∙min-1 300 kg∙m∙min-1
123 Watts 98 Watts 74 Watts 49 Watts

3rd Stage 3.0 kp 2.5 kp 2.0 kp 1.5 kp

900 kg∙m∙min-1 750 kg∙m∙min-1 600 kg∙m∙min-1 450 kg∙m∙min-1
147 Watts 123 Watts 98 Watts 74 Watts

4th Stage 3.5 kp 3.0 kp 2.5 kp 2.0 kp

RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

1050 kg∙m∙min-1 900 kg∙m∙min-1 750 kg∙m∙min-1 600 kg∙m∙min-1

172 Watts 147 Watts 123 Watts 98 Watts

What criterion were met to determine it was appropriate to end the assessment?

The subject had a steady state heart rate and reached a heart rate between 110 bpm and 85% of maximal
heart rate (198 bpm) for two consecutive stages.

What was estimated VO2max based upon this assessment?

VO2max = 3.5 L/min or 42.7 mL/kg/min at 82 kg bodyweight

RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

TEST 3: YMCA MULTISTAGE CYCLE TEST – PARTNER’S RESULTS

Client’s Name: ____________________ Client Age: 21 yr. Age predicted max HR: 199 bpm

85% of Age predicted max HR: 169 bpm (max HR * .85)

Time RPE
Stage HR BP Work Rate
(min) (6-20)

1 X X

1 2 88 X 6 .5 kp

3 92 118/75

4 X X
1.0 kp
2 5 125 X 10

6 129 130/82

7 X X 1.5 kp

3 8 132 X 15

9 137 133/85

10 X X

4 11 X

12

What criterion were met to determine it was appropriate to end the assessment?
RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

The subject had a steady state heart rate and reached a heart rate between 110 bpm and 85% of maximal
heart rate (199 bpm) for two consecutive stages.

What was estimated VO2max based upon this assessment?

VO2max = 3.4 L/min or 36 mL/kg/min at 95 kg bodyweight

RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

TEST 4: ASTRAND SUBMAXIMAL CYCLE ERGOMETER

Record one of your partner’s data here

 Second stage only needed if HRss is not accomplished by minute 5 and 6 or HR does not
increase over ________ bpm in first stage.

Client 1
First stage work output = 150 watts Second stage work output = __________
2-min HR = 100 8-min HR = _______
3-min HR = 100 BP = 136/84 mmHg 9-min HR = _______ BP = ___________
4-min HR = 102 10-min HR = _______
5-min HR = 114 11-min HR = _______
6 min HR = 122 12 min HR = _______
RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

Your Results
First stage work output = 150 watts Second stage work output = __________
2-min HR = 96 8-min HR = _______
3-min HR = 92 BP = 126/82 mmHg 9-min HR = _______ BP = ___________
4-min HR = 104 10-min HR = _______
5-min HR = 112 11-min HR = _______
6 min HR = 120 12 min HR = _______
RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS
RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

Instructions: This lab should be typed and is due the week following the lab when the data was collected. Each question
should be no longer than 250 words and include at least one reference within your answer to each question. The citation
should appear at the end of the sentence that is supported by the reference. Provide the full reference at the end of each
answer. Your textbook can be used as a reference once on each lab assignment. However, you may not reference the
powerpoint, videos, outlines, or handouts. Use APA style to cite your references. All information should be presented in your
own words (i.e., no quoting).
Note. Comparing an individual’s scores does not require a reference. However, explaining why there is a
difference in scores is usually a result of the testing protocols and therefore does require a reference. An
example of a reason for a difference that would not require a reference would be if the scores were different
because the individual was sick the second day of testing, so could not provide the same level of effort on
similar intensity assessments.

LAB TWO QUESTIONS

1. How do your personal scores on the submaximal CV assessments compare to each other and
why? (3 points)

VO2max is linearly related to heart rate (Liguori et al., 2022). Having a “good” criterion -referenced CRF
at 72.69 ml/kg/min VO2max suggests that these values coincides with me being at a good
cardiovascular fitness level.

 Liguori, G., Feito, Y., Fountaine, C., & Roy, B. A. (2022). Acsm’s guidelines for exercise testing
and prescription. Wolters Kluwer.

2. How did the provided individual’s VO2max compare to the same individual’s submaximal
scores and why? (3 points)

A VO2max of 72.69 ml/kg/min taken from the Queens College Step Test should be ideal for a 22-year-
old male who has had a criterion-referenced CRF of “good” derived from YMCA Bench Step Test but is
less ideal to someone with a criterion-referenced CRF of “below average” at YMCA Bench Step Test.
This explains the linear relationship of heart rate and maximal oxygen uptake (Liguori et al., 2022). For
all tests, the lower the heart rate, the better the cardiovascular fitness – as can be taken from the
YMCA Step Test and Astrand Cycle Ergometer Test.

 Liguori, G., Feito, Y., Fountaine, C., & Roy, B. A. (2022). Acsm’s guidelines for exercise testing
and prescription. Wolters Kluwer.

3. List and explain four physiological changes that occur as a result of chronic CV training. (4
points)

Cardiovascular training has been shown to reduce resting heart rate and heart rate response to
submaximal exercise; increase resting and exercise stroke volume; increase maximal cardiac output;
increase VO2max; and increase arteriovenous oxygen difference (Braun, 1991). Aerobic exercise
training induces cardiovascular changes that significantly improve aerobic power and endurance
performance (Hellsten & Nyberg, 2015). The most functionally significant adaptation is an increase in
maximal cardiac output as a result of increased cardiac dimension, improved contractility, and
increased blood volume, allowing for greater filling of the ventricles and, as a result, a larger stroke
volume. Along with increasing maximal cardiac output, muscle perfusion capacity increases, allowing
for enhanced oxygen supply.
RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

 Braun L. T. (1991). Exercise physiology and cardiovascular fitness. The Nursing clinics of North
America, 26(1), 135–147.
 Hellsten, Y., & Nyberg, M. (2015). Cardiovascular Adaptations to Exercise Training.
Comprehensive Physiology, 6(1), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c140080

4. What is the best test (modality and type of test) to use to estimate VO 2max in an older sedentary
subject and why? (2 points)

Since the bicycle tests are not common exercise testing, step tests are usually preferred. These step
tests require less equipment and costs, and the tests can be self-administered. From the two step tests,
the YMCA Bench Step Test is more appropriate since it uses a lower step height compare to the
Queen’s College Step Test. In a large sample of adults, including older people, the YMCA Bench Step
Test was found to be a significant predictor of VO2max and to have acceptable validity (Chung & Lee,
2022).

 Chung, J., & Lee, K. (2022). A comparison of the validity of three exercise tests for estimating
maximal oxygen uptake in Korean adults aged 19–64 years. Applied Sciences, 12(3), 1371.
https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031371

5. What are at least two sources of error for each of the following assessments? (3 points)

Step tests: potential causes of inaccuracy in the study include the 220—age formula’s prediction of
maximum heart rate, the assumption of a linear relationship between heart rate and, and the
individual’s ability to maintain the correct stepping tempo (Cooney et al., 2013; Howley et al., 1995).

Cycle ergometer tests: Specifically, the YMCA test's potential variability could be attributed to a variety
of variables (Kidd et al., 2019). First, predicting maximal heart rate will not always yield valid estimates,
as the calculation (HRmax = 220 - age) has an accepted margin of error of at least plus/minus 10 bpm.
Furthermore, this calculation tends to overestimate and underestimate max heart rate for individuals
older and younger than approximately 40 years of age, respectively. Next, cycling efficiency may not be
the same for everyone. While there is some evidence for a difference in gross mechanical efficiency at
different workloads based on training status, several studies have found no association between cycle
ergometer efficiency and riding experience, even when comparing world-class and recreational cyclists.

VO2max test: poor heart rate measurement, changes in heart rate, behavior (smoking, prior exercise),
surroundings such as additional pressures, noises, poor extrapolation, and subject's inability to follow
metronome are all potential sources of error for submaximal testing to estimate VO2 max.

 Cooney, J. K., Moore, J. P., Ahmad, Y. A., Jones, J. G., Lemmey, A. B., Casanova, F.,
Maddison, P. J., & Thom, J. M. (2013). A simple step test to estimate cardio-respiratory fitness
levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients in a clinical setting. International Journal of Rheumatology,
2013, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/174541
 Howley, E. T., Bassett, D. R., Jr, & Welch, H. G. (1995). Criteria for maximal oxygen uptake:
review and commentary. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 27(9), 1292–1301.
 Kidd, J., Luden, N. D., Saunders, M. J., & Womack, C. J. (2019). Validity and reliability of the
YMCA submaximal cycle test using an electrically-braked ergometer. Medicine & Science in
Sports & Exercise, 51(6S), 936–936. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000563305.10956.ef
RUNNING HEAD: LAB_02: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENTS

6. Provide two reasons to stop a CV assessment and provide the physiological reason why each
of them is a reason to stop a CV assessment. (2 points)

Shortness of breath: Given the physiological demands of exercise, it stands to reason that the
underlying causes of dyspnoea might be found anywhere in the process of oxygen delivery from the
surrounding atmosphere into the working muscles (Smoliga et al., 2016). As a result, dyspnea during
exercise testing may be directly related to the respiratory system or may occur from inadequate oxygen
transport performance, resulting in greater than normal ventilation.

Lower limb fatigue and cramps: lower limb fatigue is seen when a test subject claims that he is unable
to cycle or step further due to lower limb tiredness. This can affect results of testing - severely fatigue
subjects may obtain significantly lower VO2max (Braam et al., 2013).

 Braam, A. W., de Haan, S. N., Vorselaars, A. D., Rijkers, G. T., Grutters, J. C., van den Elshout,
F. J., & Korenromp, I. H. (2013). Influence of repeated maximal exercise testing on biomarkers
and fatigue in sarcoidosis. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 33, 57–64.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2013.05.006
 Smoliga, J. M., Mohseni, Z. S., Berwager, J. D., & Hegedus, E. J. (2016). Common causes of
dyspnoea in athletes: A practical approach for diagnosis and management. Breathe, 12(2).
https://doi.org/10.1183/20734735.006416

7. Based on your results, calculate your 75% exercise intensity range as a product of your VO2max that is
estimated by three of the 4 assessments conducted in this lab. Show your work for each calculation.
How can the result of the fourth submaximal assessment be utilized in exercise prescription, since it is
not used to estimate VO2max? (4 points)

 Queens College Step Test: 75% VO2max = 72.69 x 75% = 54.52

 Astrand Submaximal Cycle Ergometer: 75% VO2max = 5.2 L/min (or 54.7 mL/kg/min) (75%) =
41.03 at 918 kilopond meter/minute and 95 kg bodyweight
 YMCA Multistage Cycle Test: 75% VO2max = 36 mL/kg/min x 75% = 27

Submaximal testing of VO2max is considered less accurate, but the test can be used to estimate
exercise intensity that is safe and fast (Jackson & Ross, 1996). The YMCA Step Test measures the
heart rate recovery or how quickly heart rate recovers after 3 minutes of submaximal exercise. This
can provide information on cardiovascular fitness – the lower the heart rate, the better cardiovascular
fitness.

 Jackson, A. S., & Ross, R. M. (1996). Methods and limitations of assessing functional work
capacity objectively. Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, 6(3), 265–276.
https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-1996-6307