Monark 839 E, Manual

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Monark Ergomedic 839 E
13
Testing with Ergomedic 839 E
6.3 Reviewing results
The maximum oxygen uptake is the standard
measurement of cardiopulmonary fitness. Depen-
dent on the linear relationship between work and
oxygen uptake and between work and heart rate,
the heart rate response to work may be used to
estimate the oxygen consumption. If the maxi-
mum heart rate is considered, the maximum oxy-
gen consumption may be determined.
The YMCA and Astrand protocols estimate the
maximum oxygen consumption, based on a sub-
maximal workload while all others report the
oxygen consumption required by the final wor-
kload. The Bruce and Naughton protocols requi-
re that the subject exercise at a workload level for
a minimum of one minute to establish the oxygen
consumption; If less than one minute is observed,
The previous workload value is used.
The estimated maximum oxygen consumption
derived from some of the ergometer tests is sub-
ject to the error of the “ age related predicted
maximum heart rate“. Although there is a defi-
nite and linear relationship between work and
oxygen uptake, there are some differences in ac-
tual oxygen uptake based on individual work ef-
ficiency. Subject who are less familiar with bicycle
exercise and those individuals who are less fit, are
more likely be less efficient than those who ride
bicycles frequently.
It should be noted that these results are estimates
or predictions of maximal response and have a
greater chance of being in error than if the indivi-
dual were tested to their actual maximum value.
Interpretation should therefore be made more ca-
refully with an understanding of the possibility of
errors in the methodology.
A relative fitness index can be obtained from the
following tables:
Fitness Rating Index - Males
Maximum Oxygen Consumption ml/kg/min
Fitness Rating Index - Females
Maximum Oxygen Consumption ml/kg/min
Rating Rating
-36 yrs 36-45 yrs 45- yrs -36 yrs 36-45 yrs 45- yrs
Excellent 54 53 43 Excellent 55 49 46
Good 49 45 38 Good 45 43 38
Above Av. 46 39 34 Above Av. 39 37 32
Average 36 33 30 Average 34 33 27
Below Av. 32 29 27 Below Av. 30 29 24
Fair 28 25 24 Fair 26 26 20
Poor 24 23 20 Poor 20 22 18
See also table 7 in “ Work tests with the Bicycle Ergometer“ by P O Astrand.
attention to the subject without distraction. The
response to the exercise protocol an be accurate-
ly estimated and appropriate action to assist the
subject, if necessary, may be given. The rider is
subjected to considerable exercise in certain ad-
vanced protocol stages. The effect on the subject
should not be underestimated.
During the testing, the general appearance and
heart rate may be the most crucial factors to mo-
nitor. The testing should be stopped immediately
if the subject reports chest pain, difficulty brea-
thing, etc. A system of prompt medical attention
should be set up prior to testing, in case of emer-
gency.
The subject may also show difficulty in regula-
ting the speed of the ergometer. The power will
be properly regulated regardless of the speed, as-
suming that the protocol work type is not force
and that the speed is maintained above the pedal
low setting (default is 30 RPM).
In addition , some subjects may become sensitive
to the display on the handheld remote controller.
If this is suspected, the controller may be remo-
ved from its cradle and located out of view. Simi-
larly, the pulse LED may disturb the subject and
may be disabled.