Astrand-rhyming cycle ergometer test to determine maximal workload
HEART
The subject pedaled with resistance and cadence of choice for 6 min at a workload that elicited a steady-state heart rate between 125 and 170 bpm. If a steady-state heart rate in that range was not achieved, the subject adjusted the workload appropriately and continued for a second 6-min period. Otherwise, testing was complete. Heart rate was recorded every minute during the test. Predicted VOParticipants were then directed to maintain 80–90 revolutions per minute (RPM) while cycling at a wattage (W) equivalent to 3.25 * body weight (kg). Wattage was increased 25 W every 2.5 min until reaching volitional exhaustion, which was defined as when the subjects indicated they could not continue exercising at the intensity or they were unable to maintain the wattage. Subjects were instructed to complete the entire test seated to prevent use of body mass momentum for added power output.To equalize differences in exercise capacity and weight (i.e. power to body weight ratio), starting wattage was increased to either 3.5, 3.75, or 4 * body weight (kg) when the calculated starting wattage was below the average wattage maintained in the Astrand-Rhyming test. When increased, the starting wattage was chosen to be between 50 and 100 W of the average wattage maintained in the Astrand-Rhyming test, with consideration of the participant’s heart rate and reported perceived exertion, and such that each participant would complete the Wmax test within 10 min following protocol by Arts et al. [Maximal workload (Wmax) was calculated as follows: Wmax= Wf + [(t/D × P)], where Wf is the power output during the last completed stage, t is the duration of the last uncompleted stage, D is the duration of each stage in seconds (= 150 s), and P is the incremental increase in power output with every stage (= 25 W) [