Criterion validity of the Ekblom-Bak and the Åstrand submaximal test in an elderly population

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to validate the submaximal Ekblom-Bak test (EB-test) and the Åstrand test (Å-test) for an elderly population. Methods Participants ( n \u2009=\u2009104), aged 65–75\xa0years, completed a submaximal aerobic test on a cycle ergometer followed by an individually adjusted indirect calorimetry VO 2 max test on a treadmill. The HR from the submaximal test was used to estimate VO 2 max using both the EB-test and Å-test equations. Results The correlation between measured and estimated VO 2 max using the EB method and Å method in women was r \u2009=\u20090.64 and r \u2009=\u20090.58, respectively and in men r \u2009=\u20090.44 and r \u2009=\u20090.44, respectively. In women, the mean difference between estimated and measured VO 2 max was −\u20090.02\xa0L\xa0min −1 (95% CI −\u20090.08 to 0.04) for the EB method and −\u20090.12\xa0L\xa0min −1 (95% CI\xa0−\u20090.22 to −\u20090.02) for the Å method. Corresponding values for men were 0.05\xa0L\xa0min −1 (95% CI\xa0−\u20090.04 to 0.14) and −\u20090.28\xa0L\xa0min −1 (95% CI\xa0−\u20090.42 to −\u20090.14), respectively. However, the EB method was found to overestimate VO 2 max in men with low fitness and the Å method was found to underestimate VO 2 max in both women and men. For women, the coefficient of variance was 11.1%, when using the EB method and 19.8% when using the Å method. Corresponding values for men were 11.6% and 18.9%, respectively. Conclusion The submaximal EB-test is valid for estimating VO 2 max in elderly women, but not in all elderly men. The Å-test is not valid for estimating VO 2 max in the elderly.