A comparison of four protocols for maximal treadmill graded exercise testing in endurance athletes
Year: 1988
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study attempted to determine whether standard treadmill protocols (protocols set up for the non-athlete) were appropriate for measuring maximal values in welltrained endurance athletes.Furthermore, this study compared a horizontal protocol to three inclined protocols to try and determine which treadmill graded exercise test elicits highei max V0_; values.Twenty we 11-trained male endurance athletes served as subjects.Each subject was required to perform 4 randomly assigned maximal oxygen uptake treadmill tests.These treadmill tests consisted of two standard protocols (Bruce, Astrand) and two more intense protocols (Montana Vertical, North Dakota Horizontal).All oxygen consumption measurements were obtained every half minute using a Sensormedics Metabolic Measurement c a r t .Heart rate measurements were recorded during each subjects initial test with a conventional apparatus (Burdick) using a 3-electrode lead configuration.Heart rate measurements were recorded every half minute with a CIC heart rate monitor for each additional test.Data analysis was carried out on a VAC computer utilizing the Statistical Programs for the Social Sciences (SPSS).SPSS was used for generation of the descriptive statistics.The basic statistical analysis used to compare tests was an analysis of variance for repeated measures(ANOVA).Significance was set at p > < _ .05.The Scheff'e a posteriori procedure was then performed to determine how the means differ.Significance for this procedure was set at p ^ .10 .Within the limits of the methods used this study concluded: (1) That the two standard treadmill protocols are capable of measuring valid max V0= values in welltrained endurance runners.Further, the longer test duration of these protocols did not appear to produce muscular fatigue factors great enough to limit the athletes cardiovascular capacity; (2) When the vertical protocols (Bruce, Astrand.Vertical) were compared to the Horizontal protocol, a significant difference was found to exist between the Bruce and Horizontal tests and max (mL-kg I niiri ) ; and (3) When factors such as test duration, subject comfort, and ease of administration were considered, this author found that the Astrand and Vertical protocols were actually more appropriate for testing the endurance athlete than the Bruce protocol.
Source: The Mathematics Enthusiast
Author: Eric E. Vinje
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1475809070