Comparison of non-exercise test and step test in estimation of aerobic capacity (VO2max) in young adults

Abstract

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a health-related fitness parameter. The assessment of CRF is valuable while educating individuals about their overall fitness status and quantifying cardiovascular risk. Aerobic capacity or VO2max is accurate parameter of cardiorespiratory fitness, measured by direct as well as indirect methods. Estimation of VO2max by exercise test in large population becomes difficult. To overcome these difficulties calculating VO2max by non-exercise test is suggested. These tests are very useful in low-infrastructure setup, less costly and easy to apply. They are better to use in children & geriatric populations. Aims & Objective: To compare estimation VO2max by non-exercise test with exercise test so that validity of non-exercise test can be explored. Materials and Methods: VO2max was estimated by exercise protocol using Queens College step test & non-exercise protocol using the NASA/Johnson Space Centre Physical Activity Rating (PA-R) scale. In 60 healthy I MBBS students (30 Boys, 30 Girls). VO2max values obtained by both methods were compared using appropriate statistical test (unpaired t test). P value of [Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol 2014; 4(3.000): 218-220]