The Cross-Validation of the United States Air Force Submaximal Cycle Ergometer Test to Estimate Aerobic Capacity

Two hundred and seven subjects males, n103 females, n104 between the ages of 18 and 54 volunteered for this study to determine the accuracy of the USAF submaximal cycle ergometry SCE test versus treadmill TM. The analysis shows that USAF SCE VO sub 2max estimates are valid for males and females in this age range. For males, baseline SCE underpredicted VO 2max by 2.2 mlkgmin, had a moderately high correlation r0.85, and acceptably low standard error of the estimate SEE, 6.7 mlkgmin. For females, baseline SCE overestimated VO sub 2max by 2.2 mlkgmin. For females, correlation was moderately high r0.85 with a relatively low SEE 5.5 mlkgmin, 16.6. Repeat SCE did not increase accuracy. Adjusting power output to achieve higher steady state heart rates improved correlations and lowered SEE. SCE was more closely related to TM VO sub 2max than to maximal cycle measures. Finally, 102 subjects completed a YMCA SCE test. For males, the YMCA test overpredicted VO sub 2max. Correlation and SEE were not satisfactory r0.63 and SEE9.8 mlkg min. For females, the YMCA test was equally good or slightly better than the USAF SCE in estimating VO sub 2max. USAF SCE sensitivity was 75. Specificity was 96. Suggestions to further improve USAF SCE validity and accuracy are offered. Aerobic capacity, Cycle ergometry, Physical fitness.