| Summary: | We observed 82 healthy subjects, from both sexes, aged between 19 and 77 years. All subjects
performed two different tests: for being scientifically acknowledged, the first one was used as a
reference and it was a stress test (CPX). During the entire test, heart rate and gas exchange were
recorded continuously; the second, the actual object of this study, was a submaximal test (TOP).
Only heart rate was recorded continuously.
The main purpose was to determinate an index of physical fitness as result of TOP.
CPX test allowed us to individuate anaerobic threshold. We used an incremental protocol of 10/20
Watt/min, different by age.
For our TOP test we used an RHC400 UPRIGHT BIKE, by Air Machine. Each subject was
monitored for heart frequency. After 2 minutes of resting period there was a first step: 3 minutes of
pedalling at a constant rate of 60 RPM, (40 watts for elder subjects and 60 watts for the younger
ones). Then, the subject was allowed to rest for a recovery phase of 5 minutes. Third and last step
consisted of 3 minutes of pedalling again at 60 RPM but now set to 60 watts for elder subjects and
80 watts for the young subjects. Finally another five minutes of recovery.
A good correlation was found between TOP and CPX results especially between punctua l heart rate
reserve (HRR’) and anaerobic threshold parameters such as Watt, VO2, VCO2 .
HRR’ was obtained by subtracting maximal heart rate during TOP from maximal theoretic heart
rate (206,9-(0,67*age)).
Data were analyzed through cluster analysis in order to obtain 3 homogeneous groups. The first
group contains the least fit subjects (inactive, women, elderly). The other groups contain the
“average fit” and the fittest subjects (active, men, younger).
Concordance between test resulted in 83,23%.
Afterwards, a linear combinations of the most relevant variables gave us a formula to classify
people in the correct group.
The most relevant result is that this submaximal test is able to discriminate subjects with different
physical condition and to provide information (index) about physical fitness through HRR’.
Compared to a traditional incremental stress test, the very low load of TOP, short duration and
extended resting period, make this new method suitable to very different people.
To better define the TOP index, it is necessary to enlarge our subject sample especially by
diversifying the age range.
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