Maximal Graded Exercise Test Protocol Preferences of Relatively Fit College Students

Abstract

This study was designed to compare the standardized Bruce protocol (Bruce, Kusumi, & Hosmer, 1973) with the Arizona State University (ASU; George, 1996) protocol to determine whether or not the ASU protocol is preferred while providing a relatively accurate, valid, and individualized format for maximal exercise testing in college students. Using indirect calorimetry, maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2max;) was measured in 32 physically active college students (16 men, 16 women; age 21.1 2.5 years) using the Bruce and ASU protocols in a random order. After completing both protocols in 3 to 6 days, participants were asked to rate their experience or satisfaction with each protocol, and also whether or not the grade and speed of the protocol were tailored to their individual abilities. VO_2max; predictions were generated from the Bruce (43.12 7.56 ml kg^-1 min^-1) and ASU (45.33 7.26 ml kg^-1 min^-1) regression models, respectively. No significant difference was found between the measured and predicted VO_2max; means for both the Bruce and ASU protocols. Cross-validation analyses comparing measured versus predicted VO_2max; values yielded similar results (Bruce: r = .91, SEE = 3.61 ml kg^-1 min^-1, total error = 3.72 ml kg^-1 min^-1; ASU: r = .91, SEE = 3.13 ml kg^-1 min^-1, total error = 3.15 ml kg^-1 min^-1). In terms of overall satisfaction, 93.8% of participants preferred taking the ASU protocol over the Bruce protocol. Our results suggest that the ASU protocol provides a maximal treadmill graded exercise test for college students that is individualized, time efficient, and relatively accurate in estimating VO_2max;.