Exercise testing Exercise Physiology

Aims of exercise testing Gather Objective Data on: Aerobic ability Ability to do exercise using high rate of oxygen consumption (VO 2 max, VO 2peak, etc.)

Aims of exercise testing Gather Objective Data on: Anaerobic ability Ability to exercise at an intensity that exceeds maximal (peak) oxygen consumption (30-s peak PO, supramax. tests, etc.)

Aims of exercise testing Gather Objective Data on: Endurance Ability to sustain submaximal aerobic exercise for an extended time (6- and 12-min walk, 1 mile walk, etc.)

Aims of exercise testing Gather Objective Data on: Strength Ability to do unsustained work against a high resistance (MVC, peak torque, max. number repetitions, etc.)

Aims of exercise testing Gather Objective Data on: Flexibility Ability to move joints through a prescribed range of motion (sit-and-reach distances, goniometry, etc.)

Aims of exercise testing Gather Objective Data on: Neuromuscular skills Ability to do activities that require coordination and skill (gait analysis, balance, coordination, etc.)

Aims of exercise testing Gather Objective Data on: Functional performance Ability to do specific physical activities of daily living (sit- and-stand scores, timed walk, etc.)

Exercise testing Measurement of body reactions (eventually adaptation) of different body systems in dependence on stress (exercise) Measurement of efficiency to perform and repeat the best achievement Fitness assessment

Measured parameters Load – [W, W/kg] – age, gender, health statute, weight Energy output – [kcal] – 1 km = kcal {run, walk} Time – [s., minute, hour] - duration Speed – [m/s -1, km/hour] Elevation – [˚, %] Distance – [m, km]

Ideal exercise test 1. Easy designed 2.a] general – general performance b] specific – specific performance 3. Safe 4. Valid – do we measure what we really want to? 5. Objective – no other impacts on result 6. Reliability and reproducibility

Justification of exercise testing Why perform exercise testing? - INDICATION Diagnosis Intervention assessment (therapy, training) Exercise programming and training Research Prognostic

Justification of exercise testing Why do not perform exercise testing? - CONTRAINDICATION ABSOULTE RELATIVE - Acute illness (heart stroke, fever), major hypertension (240/120), etc. - After heart stroke, some defects of heart valves, etc.

Splitting of tests According to applied load: According to place a) Maximal (incremental tests) b) Sub-maximal (usually constant workload) b) Supra-maximal (Wingate test) a) Laboratory tests b) Field tests

Laboratory × field tests Laboratory tests Disadvantages: - Different movement stereotype (rower, canoeist on bicycle?) - worse achievement - Transformation of results into field conditions - Accurate determination of load Advantages: - Standard laboratory conditions - Nervousness from new (unknown) conditions -worse achievement

Laboratory × field tests Field tests Disadvantages: - Relatively inaccurate determination of power - The problem of accurate measurement - Known conditions – athletic stadium, ice ring, sport hall, etc. Advantages: - Identical movement stereotype - Direct use in training

Maximal × submaximal tests Maximal tests - Direct assessment of maximal capacity of organism Advantages: Disadvantages: - Dependence on will and motivation of proband - Risk factor - Restriction before competition - Small changes of monitored parameters due to training in very high trained

Maximal × submaximal tests Sub-maximal tests - Safer Advantages: Disadvantages: - Lower dependence on tested person (more comfortable) - Bigger changes of monitored parameters due to training - Restriction before competition - Often based on estimation (presumption) of HRmax, etc. – worse accuracy

The type and sources of stress 1. Dynamic 2. Static 3. Other - Individual movement (knee-bend, etc.) - Steps (Step test) - Ergometer – bicycle, treadmill, arm crank ergometer, ladder - Dynamometer (handgrip, etc.) - electric, pharmacological, cold, hypoxic, psychological, change of body position (laying – standing), deep breathing, cough, etc.

The conditions in exercise laboratory 1. Enviroment 2. Equipment 3. Safeness - Calm (few persons) - Air circulation (ACE) - Temperature (18-22˚C), humidity 40-60% - calibration, functionality - Emergency (phone number) - Presence of physician, defibrillator, drogs

The conditions in exercise laboratory 4. Tested person - Healthy - Avoid drinking coffee, alcohol and smoking (at least 12 hours before) - At least 2 hours after food intake

Bicycle ergometer × treadmill Bicykle ergometer - more in Europe ? - mechanical efficiency 20 – 25% -W (load) = resistance (mechanical, electromagnetical) + revolutions/min (50 – 70) Advantages: - space, noise, accuracy of set load - easer and safer making Disadvantages: - calibration, engagement of smaller muscle mass, lack of familiarity - lover oxygen consumption, lover HR, etc. - taking of blood sample, measurement of blood pressure.

Bicycle ergometer × treadmill Treadmill - more in USA, Canada ? - mechanical efficiency no more than 15 % -W (load) = speed (km/hour) + elevation (%, °) Advantages: - natural movement, only one possibility for children - engagement of most muscle mass Disadvantages: - space demands, noise - risk of fall, problems of measurement of BP and blood sample - achievement of “real” maximum (higher O 2 consumption, HR)