Perceptual & Motor Skills: Exercise & Sport

2015, 120, 3, 687-699. © Perceptual & Motor Skills 2015

A WORKLOAD SELECTION PROCEDURE FOR THE

ÅSTRAND-RYHMING TEST FOR WOMEN1

JASON D. WAGGANER, THOMAS J. PUJOL, MARK E. LANGENFELD, AND

JEREMY T. BARNES

Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Southeast Missouri State University

AMANDA J. SINCLAIR ELDER AND CRAIG L. ELDER

Department of Health Sciences, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

JOSHUA E. TUCKER

College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University

Summary.—The Åstrand-Ryhming Submaximal Bicycle Test is an accurate and

widely used test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption. This test requires a
participant to maintain a workload over a 6-min. period. The issue facing many
employing this protocol is the identification of an appropriate workload for the
cycling regimen. The present study is designed to identify a method for determin-
ing an appropriate workload for female participants. A prior study designed a
workload selection procedure specifically for men; however, the selection proce-
dure designed for women in this study was better able to elicit a final heart rate
(average of minutes five and six) between 165–170 bpm compared to the original
Åstrand-Ryhming procedure.

The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) of an individual is con-

sidered the single best physiological indicator of the ability to perform
sustained muscular work. While collecting expired gases during maximal
graded exercise testing is the most valid means of testing VO2max (Amer-
ican College of Sports Medicine, 2014; ACSM), a large portion of the gen-
eral population cannot perform maximal work. Also, maximal exercise
tests can be time consuming, and few fitness facilities have the necessary
equipment to conduct indirect calorimetry (Arena, Myers, Williams, Gu-
lati, Kligfield, Balady, et al., 2007). Therefore, the use of submaximal exer-
cise testing is common in fitness settings to provide estimates of VO2max
for use in exercise programming. The Åstrand-Ryhming (Å-R) Submaxi-
mal Bicycle Test (Åstrand & Ryhming, 1954) is a reliable, safe, and widely
accepted submaximal test for estimation of VO2max (ACSM, 2014). The
procedure for the Å-R Test is simple, allows for a large segment of the
population to be tested, and the error of prediction is within tolerable lim-

1
Address correspondence to Thomas J. Pujol, Department of Health, Human Performance
& Recreation, MS 7650, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or
e-mail ([email protected]).

DOI 10.2466/06.30.PMS.120v19x3 ISSN 0031-5125

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 688 J. D. WAGGANER, ET AL.

its (Davies, 1968; Noonan & Dean, 2000; Macsween, 2001). Additionally,
since the protocol for the Å-R Test requires a single-stage, 6-min. exercise
bout against a constant workload, the test can be completed in a relatively
short period of time.
Since the original Å-R nomogram (Åstrand & Ryhming, 1954) was
shown to under-predict maximal oxygen uptake, Åstrand (1960) re-exam-
ined the data and found the nomogram was more accurate at higher lev-
els of work. In agreement with these findings, Davies (1968) found that the
original Å-R test most accurately predicts VO2max when the workload elic-
its a heart rate of 165–170 beats·min.-1 (bpm). Keren, Magazanik, and Ep-
stein (1980) also found that the predicted maximal oxygen consumption
was more accurate when exercise heart rates were elevated to the 165–170
bpm range. Recognizing the desirability of identifying a workload setting
to attain such heart rates during testing, Terry, Tolson, Johnson, and Jessup
(1977) developed and validated an effective procedure to identify a work-
load that elicited an appropriate heart rate for men. Specifically, Terry, et al.
(1977) produced a workload selection procedure, tested on a cross-valida-
tion group, with a reliability correlation coefficient of .65 and a mean per-
cent estimation error of 9%. The cycling reliability coefficient produced by
Terry, et al. (1977) was validated against a VO2max derived from a tread-
mill graded maximal exercise test. The relationship established by Terry,
et al. (1977) is reasonable, considering Åstrand and Ryhming's (1954) orig-
inal correlation coefficient was .71 with a mean estimation error of 10%.
When Åstrand (1960) introduced an age-correction factor, the original cor-
relation coefficient increased to .79 with a mean estimation error of 15%.
Åstrand and Rodahl (1977) indicated that the 10% mean estimation error
only applied to relatively well-trained individuals, and the mean estima-
tion error increased to 15% in the moderately-trained.
Since the original Åstrand and Ryhming (1954) study, very little re-
search has been conducted assessing the possibility of sex differences in
VO2max predictability. Terry, et al. (1977) produced a workload selection
predictability equation for young, recreationally active men. However, no
studies to date have attempted to produce an equation or procedure for
identifying a proper workload for the Å-R cycle ergometer test specifically
for women (Heyward, 2002).
Research goal. To develop a workload selection procedure for fe-
males that will reliably elicit a steady state heart rate (average
between minutes five and six) within the optimal range of 165–
170 bpm compared to the original Å-R cycle ergometer test.

METHOD
The participants included 63 normal weight, apparently healthy, rec-
reationally active female volunteers between 18 and 41 years old. For in-

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 WORKLOAD SELECTION FOR ÅSTRAND-RYHMING 689

clusion each participant had to be physically active (ACSM, 2014), but

could not be an athlete on a university-based sports team. All participants
were recruited from the general population at the campus recreation cen-
ter as well as by campus advertisement (i.e., flyers and in-class announce-
ments). The experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Re-
view Board for Research Involving Human Participants at a Division I
university. On an initial visit to the testing facility, the participants provid-
ed written informed consent for maximal graded exercise testing and all
experimental procedures. Additionally, the participants completed a pre-
participation health history questionnaire in accordance with the Amer-
ican Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine Joint
Position Statement (American College of Sports Medicine and American
Heart Association, 1998). The questionnaire focused on risk factors for car-
diovascular and pulmonary disease and existing symptoms. None of the
participants in the present study had a known cardiovascular, pulmonary,
or metabolic disease/disorder. All participants were non-tobacco users
and reported no use of any medication other than oral contraceptives.
Prior to the second visit to the testing facility, the participants were pro-
vided with information providing instruction to avoid strenuous physical
activity the day before and the day of testing. The participants were also
instructed to make efforts to be euhydrated and avoid eating 4 hr. prior to
the visit. On the second visit to the laboratory, the participants performed
a graded maximal exercise treadmill test using a Bruce protocol (Bruce,
Kusumi, & Hosmer, 1973). The VO2max value obtained from the maximal
graded exercise test was the basis for dividing the participants into experi-
mental and cross-validation groups using a matched-pairs technique. The
variables measured and the basic processes for data analysis, including
the development of the prediction equations and cross-validation, were in
accordance with the methodology of Terry, et al. (1977).
Experimental Group
Prior to performing the first submaximal leg ergometer test, age, height,
body mass, resting heart rate, and resting blood pressure were deter-
mined. Resting heart rate was recorded after a 10-min. rest in the supine
position. All heart rates were measured using a Polar® heart rate monitor
(Polar Electro, Inc., Woodbury, New York). Standing and seated leg length
was measured using the technique described by Terry (1972). Standing leg
length measurement was measured to determine appropriate seat height
on the leg ergometer. The standing leg length measurement was taken
from the greater trochanter of the femur to the floor with the tape crossing
the middle of the lateral malleolus. The seat height was adjusted to match
the distance from the greater trochanter to the floor. Once the seat height
was adjusted, the seated leg length was measured with the knee in 5–10 °

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 690 J. D. WAGGANER, ET AL.

of flexion. A goniometer was used to ensure that the knee angle was with-
in the 5–10 ° range. The seated leg length measurement was taken with the
crank arm of the leg ergometer in the down position and foot parallel to
the floor. This measurement started at the greater trochanter and crossed
the middle of the lateral malleolus to the bottom of the foot. The measure-
ment of leg length was included in the analysis of data to account for dif-
ferences in torque due to leg length.
After measurement of resting variables, the participants performed
an Å-R submaximal cycle ergometer test at a workload setting of 100 W.
All tests were performed at the same pedal rate (50 rpm) prescribed for
use in the Å-R Submaximal Bicycle Test. The selected workload of 100 W,
which is the upper limit of the 75 to 100 W suggested resistance, was de-
termined based upon the Å-R (1954) test for a conditioned woman. All
leg ergometry was performed on a Monark 828E leg ergometer (Monark,
Stockholm, Sweden). The leg ergometer was calibrated daily using a 1-kg
weight. The participants cycled at a workload of 100 W for 6 min., while
heart rate was recorded at the end of each minute. Steady state was de-
termined by a heart rate response that did not differ by more than 5 bpm
between minutes five and six. All participants in the experimental group
reached steady state, as determined between minutes five and six of the
cycle ergometer test. If any participant's heart rate did not reach 165 bpm
by the last 2 min. of the test, she returned the following day at the same
time and performed the test with an additional 25 W workload. This pro-
cedure was repeated until a heart rate between 165 and 170 bpm was at-
tained. Conversely, if the heart rate of the first cycle ergometer test exceed-
ed 170 bpm, then the workload was reduced by 25 W for the subsequent
test. If the heart rate elicited by a test at one workload was below 165 bpm
and the following workload elicited a heart rate above 170 bpm, then the
heart rates were plotted against workload to interpolate to the physical
work capacity-165 bpm line. Of the 32 participants in the experimental
group, 18 completed two or fewer trials before identifying the workload to
elicit a heart rate between 165 and 170 bpm. No participant in this group
completed more than four trials. The average number of trials completed
was 2.5, with a minimum of 24 hours separating each test.
The muscular endurance of the leg extensors was measured to assess
any potential influence on the response to the cycle ergometer workload
in the experimental group. If such a relationship existed, the muscular en-
durance variable would be included in the prediction of workload. The
muscular endurance of the leg extensors was measured by a 1-min. maxi-
mal repetition protocol on a leg press machine. The tests were performed
on a selectorized resistance training machine using a resistance equal to
one-half of the participant's body mass. A 10-repetition warm-up at ap-

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 WORKLOAD SELECTION FOR ÅSTRAND-RYHMING 691

proximately one-quarter body mass preceded the test. If the exact resis-
tance desired, one-half body mass, was not selectable, then the pin was
placed in the next closest pin setting above the one-half body mass po-
sition. One repetition included movement from the knees horizontally
above toes and vertically above hips to a full knee extension position. The
number of correct repetitions during a 1-min. period was recorded.
Data from the experimental group were used to develop a multiple
linear regression equation that would allow for prediction of the appro-
priate workload at which an Å-R submaximal bicycle test should be per-
formed. The data were entered into a stepwise regression for the purpose
of identifying such an equation.
Cross-validation Group
Initially, 31 participants were assigned to the cross-validation group.
Two participants completed the initial 2-min. 100 W workload test but
were unable to complete the subsequent female-specific Å-R submaximal
bicycle test due to dizziness and/or nausea, and were therefore excluded
from the study. Prior to testing, age, height, body mass, blood pressure,
and heart rate were assessed after the participant rested in a supine posi-
tion for 10 min.
The seat height of the leg ergometer was adjusted such that the partici-
pant's knee was bent at a 5 to 10 ° angle when the pedal was in the down
position. Each participant completed a 2-min. cycling session at 50 rpm
against a standard resistance of 2 Kp (100 W). The heart rate obtained at
the end of the 2-min. cycling session was then inserted into the regres-
sion equation, developed from the experimental group, to predict the new
workload for the Å-R Test. Calculated workloads were adjusted appropri-
ately in 25 W increments. For example, if the calculated workload selection
was 112 W, a workload of 125 W was used in the Å-R test. The participants
were required to perform a 10-min. rest period, ample time to fully recover,
between the 2-min. cycling session and the Å-R Submaximal Bicycle Test.
After the workload selection was calculated, the 6-min. Å-R Test was
performed. Heart rates at the end of minutes five and six were used to de-
termine attainment of steady state. The last steady state (average of minutes
five and six) heart rate was used to predict VO2max using the Å-R nomo-
gram (Åstrand & Ryhming, 1954). A Pearson product-moment correlation
coefficient and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to estab-
lish the relationship between the directly measured VO2max obtained from
the graded maximal exercise test and the Å-R predicted VO2max.
Statistical Methods
Data from the experimental group were analyzed by a multiple linear
regression for the purposes of identifying an equation that would predict

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 692 J. D. WAGGANER, ET AL.

the appropriate workload to elicit a heart rate of 165 to 170 bpm. There-
fore, the workload that elicited a heart rate between 165 and 170 bpm, in
the experimental group, was the criterion measure. The criteria for inclu-
sion of variables in the multiple regression was p < .10, and the criteria for
exclusion was p > .05.
Analysis of data from the cross-validation group included a Pearson
product-moment correlation and an ICC between the directly measured
VO2max and the VO2max predicted from the Å-R nomogram after employ-
ing the workload selection procedure. The mean difference between directly
measured VO2max and predicted Å-R VO2max was determined. Compari-
son of the mean difference between the average heart rate (e.g., average of
minutes five and six) of the experimental and cross-validation groups was
analyzed by an independent-samples t test. A Bland-Altman analysis was
performed to test the agreement between the directly measured VO2max
and the Å-R predicted VO2max. A range of agreement was defined as preci-
sion of ±1 and upper and lower limits of agreement ± 2 standard deviations.
All analyses were performed using the SPSS Version 22.0 statistical software
package (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL), with statistical significance set at p < .05.
RESULTS
The characteristics of the participants in the two groups are shown in
Table 1. As indicated in Table 1, the matched-pairs technique did effective-
ly match the groups based upon measured VO2max.
Table 2 shows the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients
between the measured variables of the experimental group against work-
load and measured VO2max. Significant correlations were found between
workload and body mass, and between resting heart rate and leg press
weight. Additionally, a significant relationship between VO2max and height
was found (p < .05). The correlation between workload and minute-by-
minute heart rates was assessed for the experimental group.
A new workload prediction equation was identified in the experimen-
tal group by a multiple linear regression, which included the following
variables: age, height, weight, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure,
minute-by-minute exercise heart rate, standing leg length, and quadriceps
leg strength. The results of the multiple regression procedure revealed
several suitable equations, and all assumptions of the multiple regressions
were met. However, the most appropriate predictive model equation was

Workload (W) = 352.374 – (1.608 × 2 min. heart rate@100W) ,

where F1, 30 = 131.66, R2 = .815, SEE2 = 13.16, and p < .001.

2
Standard error of the estimate (SEE) calculated as the square root of the sum of (actual
score – predicted score)2/N.

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 WORKLOAD SELECTION FOR ÅSTRAND-RYHMING 693

TABLE 1
DESCRIPTIVE VARIABLES
Experimental Cross-validation
Variable (n = 32) (n = 29)
M SD M SD
Age, yr. 22.1 2.4 22.0 4.3
Body mass, kg 64.7 10.4 62.0 7.2
Height, cm 166.3 5.2 165.5 5.1
VO2max, mL·kg−1.min.−1 45.6 8.5 45.5 6.8
Resting HR, beats·min.−1 65.8 9.3 63.2 11.2
SBP, mm Hg 112.1 11.5 115.5 8.9
DBP, mm Hg 64.3 12.4 78.2 7.2
Leg press weight, kg 36.2 5.9
Leg press repetitions in 1 min. 28.9 5.7
Standing leg length, cm 89.5 3.6
Seated leg length, cm* 88.4 3.8
*Leg length measured when subject was seated in test position on the
leg ergometer.

The calculated workload setting derived from the new predictive equa-
tion 119.7 ± 21.3 W was significantly different from the original Å-R cycle er-
gometer test (100 W) for the cross validation group (p < .001). Furthermore,
the directly measured VO2max vs the Å-R predicted VO2max showed a
Pearson product-moment correlation of .70, SEE = 4.84 mLO2˙kg−1˙min.−1,
TABLE 2
PEARSON PRODUCT-MOMENT CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS BETWEEN
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES, WORKLOAD, AND VO2MAX FOR EXPERIMENTAL
GROUP (N = 32)
Variable Workload Measured VO2max
Age, yr. .25 .10
Body mass, kg .45† −.31
Height, cm −.06 −.35*
Resting HR, bpm −.38* −.21
SBP, mm Hg −.03 −.06
DBP, mm Hg .23 −.05
Leg press weight, kg .62† −.19
Leg press repetitions in 1 min. .05 .09
Standing leg length −.23 −.19
Seated leg length −.05 −.29
*p < .05. †p < .01.

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 694 J. D. WAGGANER, ET AL.

TABLE 3
OUTCOME VARIABLES
Experimental Cross-validation Cohen's
Variable t df p
M SD M SD d
Predicted workload, W 100 0 119.7 21 −5.22 59 < .001 −1.30
Final heart rate (mean
of min. 5 and 6) in 159 17 165 8 −1.74 59 .09 0.45
Å-R Test, bpm
Predicted VO2max,
37.4 7.8 38.9 9.9 −0.67 59 .50 −0.17
mL·kg−1·min.−1
Measured VO2max,
45.6 8.5 45.5 6.8 0.06 59 .95 0.02
mL·kg−1·min.−1
Mean difference
Measured VO2 max−
–8.2 8.5 –6.5 7.0 −5.0 59 < .001 −0.77
Predicted VO2max
Note.—M = mean; SD = standard deviation.

mean percent error of individual predictions = 4.19%, SD = 2.0% (p < .01),

and an ICC of .68 (95%CI = .16–.87; p < .01). An independent-samples t test
showed the mean heart rate elicited by the participants in the cross-valida-
tion group, calculated as an average of the last 2 min. heart rates (minutes
five and six), was 165 ± 8 bpm, while the experimental group achieved an
average heart rate of 159 ± 17 bpm (Table 3).
For the cross-validation group, predicted VO2max was correlated
with directly measured VO2max (R2 = .49; Fig. 1). The average difference
(bias) between the predicted VO2max and the directly measured VO2max
in the cross-validation group was −6.52 mL˙kg−1 ˙min.−1, with a precision
of 7.03 mL˙kg−1.min.−1, and a z = −5.17 (Bland-Altman analysis = 28 degrees
of freedom; Fig. 2). The mean difference between predicted VO2max and
directly measured VO2max for the experimental group was determined
from the average of the fifth and sixth minute heart rates during the first
trial at 100 W (normal Å-R testing procedures). There was a significant dif-
ference (p < .01) between the directly measured VO2max and the predict-
ed VO2max for both experimental groups. In both groups, the predicted
VO2max was underestimated by the Å-R nomogram.
DISCUSSION
In an attempt to produce a female-specific prediction equation for
identifying a workload that would elicit a heart rate between 165 and
170 bpm, the current study cross-validated a workload selection proce-
dure compared to the original Å-R Test. Using young, recreationally ac-
tive women, the current study tested (a) the ability of the original Å-R
Test to elicit a heart rate (average of minutes five and six) between 165

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 WORKLOAD SELECTION FOR ÅSTRAND-RYHMING 695
80

70

60
Directly Measured VO2max

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Group Predicted Å-R VO2max

FIG. 1. Cross-validation group predicted Å-R VO2max compared to directly measured

VO2max. Individual values of direct VO2max measured during the graded exercise treadmill
test plotted as a function of predicted values of VO2max in the cross validation group. The
regression line is displayed along with the regression-equation parameters.

and 170 bpm, (b) the accuracy of the new prediction equation Å-R cy-
cle test predicted VO2max compared with the directly measured VO2max
(by incremental treadmill test to exhaustion), and (c) the possible exis-
tence and performance of a workload prediction equation alternative to
the workload selection procedure from the original Å-R cycle ergometer
test (Åstrand & Ryhming, 1954).
In the experimental group, the final heart rate (average of minutes
five and six) after conducting the original Å-R cycle ergometer test was
below the optimal 165–170 bpm range. A large standard deviation is be-
lieved to be, at least in part, the reason the 159 ± 17 bpm heart rate was not
significantly different (p = .09) from the minimal 165 bpm optimal range
cutoff point. On the other hand, the cross-validation group exhibited a fi-
nal heart rate (average of minutes five and six), after conducting the new
predicted workload Å-R cycle ergometer test, of 165 ± 8 bpm. Based upon
these results, the new predictive workload equation elicited a heart rate
that was within the optimal heart rate range of 165–170 bpm. Moreover,
the elicited heart rates exhibited a much lower standard deviation, which
is a very strong indicator of the increased precision of the new predictive
workload equation. Keren, et al. (1980) found that eliciting a higher heart

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 696 J. D. WAGGANER, ET AL.

40

Difference Between Measures 30

20

10

–10

–20

–30

–40
0 20 40 60 80

Mean of Two Measures

FIG. 2. Bland-Altman Plot of predicted Å-R VO2max compared to directly measured

VO2max. Individual values of the difference between directly measured VO2max and the
Å-R VO2max measures are plotted as a function of the average of the two measures. The solid
line corresponds to the average difference between measures (i.e., bias), while the dashed
lines correspond to the upper and lower limits of agreement [i.e., two standard deviations
(+95%)].

rate in young, healthy men produced higher VO2max estimates in young,

healthy men. This supports the findings of the current study in that elicit-
ing higher heart rates acted to predict higher VO2max values, which ap-
pears to help offset the tendency of the Å-R cycle ergometer test to un-
derpredict VO2max. It is also likely that since young, recreationally active
participants were used in the current study, their fitness level required a
higher workload to aid in predicting a more accurate VO2max. Since each
test was only 6 min., it was not believed that performing multiple submax-
imal tests, separated by at least 24 hours, would produce a training effect
in female participants in this study.
The multiple regression equation developed in the current study pre-
dicted an Å-R cycle ergometer test workload of 119.7 ± 21.3 W, which was
significantly different from the original Å-R cycle ergometer test (100 W)
for the cross-validation group (p < .001). While the multiple regression
equation R value (.90) from the current study was similar to other stud-
ies (Åstrand & Ryhming, 1954; Åstrand, 1960; Glassford, Baycroft, Sedg-
wick, & Macnab, 1965; Jessup, Terry, & Landiss, 1975), it was higher than
the R value (.76) produced by Terry, et al. (1977). The equation developed
by Terry, et al. (1977) identified a y-intercept of 1,123.45, which is very dif-
ferent from the prediction equation y-intercept of 352.37 obtained from

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 WORKLOAD SELECTION FOR ÅSTRAND-RYHMING 697

the present study. Moreover, the new prediction equation workload had a
lower mean percent error than that of other comparable studies (Åstrand
& Ryhming, 1954; Glassford, et al., 1965; Von Döbeln, Åstrand, & Berg-
ström, 1967; Davies, 1968). Both Terry, et al. (1977) and Glassford, et al.
(1965) found a 9.0% mean error using treadmill-derived VO2max as the
criterion measure, while the current study found a 4.2% mean error. The
standard error of the estimate (SEE) VO2max in this study was comparable
to that reported by Jessup, et al. (1975; 4.8 mL˙kg−1.min.−1 vs 4.17 mL˙kg–1˙
min.–1). In further support, the SEE in the present study was comparable to
the results for a subgroup of young women in a pair of studies by Siconol-
fi and colleagues using a modification to the age adjustment (Siconolfi,
Cullinane, Carleton, & Thompson, 1982; Siconolfi, Garber, Lasater, & Car-
leton, 1985). The original Å-R nomogram has separate scales in attempt to
account for sex differences in body mass. However, the notion of imple-
menting a sex-specific workload-predictive equation, leading to a more
accurate original Å-R cycle ergometer test VO2max prediction, is very pos-
sible based upon past and current studies’ research findings.
While the new workload prediction equation of the current study was
better than most comparable studies at predicting a workload to elicit a
more optimal heart rate, the ability to predict VO2max was also better than
the original Å-R cycle ergometer test. The mean difference between the di-
rectly measured VO2max and the Å-R predicted VO2max for the experi-
mental and cross-validation groups was significantly different. However,
the experimental group displayed a slightly larger mean VO2max differ-
ence (−8.2 ± 8.5 mL˙kg−1˙min.−1) compared to the cross-validation group's
mean VO2max difference (−6.5 + 7 mL˙kg−1˙min.−1). This is an indicator that
by applying the new workload prediction equation to the original Å-R cy-
cle ergometer test, the predicted VO2max was more accurate and precise
for the current study's sample.
The Pearson reliability coefficient (r = .70) and ICC (.68) found in the
present study were both higher than those found by Terry and colleagues
(1977). Moreover, both of the reliability coefficients from this study are
comparable to the original study by Åstrand & Ryhming (1954), which
was R = .71. In a sample of 30–39-yr.-old women, Zwiren, Freedson, Ward,
Wilke, and Rippe (1991) found the mean VO2max from treadmill tests was
similar to that predicted by the Å-R nomogram, with a reliability coeffi-
cient of .66. Åstrand and Ryhming (1954), Glassford, et al. (1965), Patton,
Vogel, and Mello (1982), Keren, et al. (1980), and Davies (1968) all found
higher reliability coefficients than that found in the present study when
using an age adjustment. For female participants of a comparable age to
the cross-validation sample in this study, Siconolfi, et al. (1982, 1985) found
a higher reliability coefficient when using an adjustment formula.

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 698 J. D. WAGGANER, ET AL.

In the present study, the VO2max predicted was underestimated by

the Å-R nomogram. This finding is supported by a number of studies us-
ing the Å-R nomogram (Glassford, et al., 1965; Davies, 1968; Terry, et al.,
1977). Yet, several studies have found that the Å-R nomogram overesti-
mates VO2max (Jessup, et al., 1975; Keren, et al., 1980; Siconolfi, et al., 1982,
1985; Zwiren, et al., 1991). Siconolfi, et al. (1982) found the nomogram to
overestimate for the overall sample. However, the 20–30-yr.-old subset
within the Siconolfi, et al. (1982) study was not overestimated, which sup-
ports the findings of the current study.
In conclusion, applying the workload selection procedure developed
in this study was able to elicit a heart rate of 165–170 bpm during the
Å-R Test, thus enhancing the predictive accuracy for VO2max in young,
recreationally active women. This is evident by the reduction of the dif-
ference and standard deviation between measured and predicted values.
This strongly supports the notion that while the original Å-R nomogram
has a female VO2max prediction intercept, improvements can still be seen
by applying a sex-specific workload equation. Moreover, application of
the new predictive equation requires only 2 min. of leg cycle ergometry at
100 W workload prior to the start of the Å-R Test. Entering the heart rate
from the end of the 2-min. period into the equation described above al-
lows for a more appropriate workload selection for the Å-R Test individu-
alized for each participant. The findings of this study should be applied
only to the limited population studied here. Future studies should inves-
tigate methods for selection of appropriate workloads for the Å-R Test in
other age groups for both men and women.
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Accepted May 5, 2015.

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