I am looking for published age correction factors for adults over 65 years for the Astrand-Rhyming submaximal cycle test?
I have adults >65 years who have completed Astrand-Rhyming submaximal cycle tests for a research trial. The highest correction factor I can find is 0.65 for adults who are 65 years old (see attached). Should this be applied to those who are 70, 75 etc. years?
Publication(s) to support appropriate correction factor for those older than 65 years needed. Thanks!
It is known that maximal aerobic capacity declines approximately 10% per decade for sedentary people, and 5% or less per decade for people who exercise regularly (1). Thus, there is an interaction between physical activity and aging which affects VO2. However I don't personally know if there are any reliable correction factors for adults over 65 years for the Astrand-Rhyming submaximal cycle test.
1) McArdle,W.D., Katch, F.I., and Katch, F.W. Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Perforiuance. 3rd ed., Philadelphia, Lea and Febiger. 221-232, 1991.
Baumgartner et al (2016) recommend the use of age=predicted maximal heart rate instead of the application of a correction factor to the predicted VO2max. They propose the use of the prediction equation developed by Mahar et al. (1985) to convert the results of a single-stage submaximal exercise test (bike or treadmill) to a predicted VO2max. In the above equation a correction is not necessary as the prediction is based on an age-adjusted (predicted) HRmax.
The formula is based on the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram:
VO2max = SMVO2 X [(220-age-k)/(SMHR-k)]
SMVO2 = submaximal VO2 (measured or predicted)
SMHR = steady-state HR at sumaximal load
k is a constant (63 for males and 73 for females) (the constants represent the intercepts of the regression lines based on the original data published by Astrand and Ryhming).
Baumgartner, Jackson, Mahar and Rowe (2016) Measurement for Evaluation in Kinesiology (9th ed.), Jones and Bartlett Learning
Mahar, Jackson, Ross, Pivarnik, and Pollock (1985) Predictive accuracy of single stage and double stage submax treadmill work for estimating aerobic capacity. Med Sci Sport & Exerc, 17(suppl), 206-207
Thanks for the responses! Costas Tsakirides - Thanks for providing this alternative formula. I'll try to get a copy of the Baumgartner textbook. Do you know if the textbook cites any original validation studies supporting this formula in comparison to measured VO2peak?
You’re welcome Jennifer! It’s based on the Mahar paper. I suggest you track that down for more details on any validation work.