Assessment of the Exercise Capacity of Young Men

Abstract

The exercise capacity of groups of military personnel (281 men in all) has been assessed from estimates of maximal oxygen intake ([Vacute]o₂, max) and the Harvard Step Test. [Vacute]o₂ max was derived by extrapolation from heart rates and oxygen intakes during a submaximal stop test Initial studies determined the oxygen intake — work rate relationship for this step test and the resulting straight line was used for the subsequent prediction of oxygen intake.

Tests repeated within one week showed slightly improved [Vacute]o₂ max values, but reproducibility was good (test-retest r = 0.96 for 72 men). Five groups of contrasting fitness, that is well trained and comparatively untrained men, were found to have different [Vacute]o₂ max values. Five groups underwent regimes of training, three of these groups showed marked increments of [Vacute]o₂, max but two groups who undertook longer training of a more specialized nature showed smaller increments. The results of the Harvard Step Test were of a similar pattern to the [Vacute]o₂ max results, but reproducibility was poorer (test-retest r =0.80 for 12 men, and only 0.50 for one group of 37 men).