Cycle Ergometer Testing

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Cycle Ergometer Testing

• KNR 309 Physiological Assessment Techniques

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Cycle ergometer testing

• Stationary cycles are the most commonly used
  equipment to measure or estimate
  cardiorespiratory fitness.
• Most of the cycles use a friction-based system
  where resistance is applied against the flywheel
  using a weight or tightening a belt.
• The workload is changed by increasing the
  resistance.

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Workload or Power

• Work Force x Distance
• Power Force x Distance/time
• Workload or power output on a cycle is usually
  expressed in terms of kgm/min or watts.
• To measure kgm/min, the force is the amount of
  KG applied on the plate x the distance traveled
  by the flywheel rim for each revolution of the
  pedal times the of revolutions per minute.

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The formula

• Power (workload) on the cycle
• Kg x 6(meters) x rpm
• Example resistance 1.5 kg, rpm 50
• Power 1.5 x 6 x 50
• Power 450 kgm.min
• 1 Watt 6.12kgm.min
• 450 kgm/6 75 watts
• 100 watts x 6 600kgm

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Cycle testing procedures

• Make sure seat height is correct for each client.
• Pedaling rate should remain constantusually 50
  or 60 rpm.
• Have no resistance when starting, remove
  resistance when done.
• Clients hands should rest on handlebars in
  somewhat upright position.
• Follow established protocols.

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Cycle Ergometer protocols

• Astrand Maximal cycle test protocol
• Fox Maximal cycle test protocol
• Astrand-Rhyming Submaximal cycle testing protocol
• YMCA submaximal cycle testing protocol
• Fox Single-stage submaximal cycle testing
  protocol
• ACSM submaximal cycle testing protocol

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To estimate VO2

• Use the ACSM formula
• Power in watts x 10.8/ body weight in kg
  7estimated VO2
• Power in kgm x 1.8 /body weight in kg 7 VO2