Astrand Rhyming test

Practical 2 – Astrand-Ryhming Cycle Test
Aims and Objectives
The aim of this practical is to familiarise you with a commonly used laboratory test of aerobic
fitness, and for you to independently organise and run a fitness test.
Intended outcomes
You will be able to undertake a lab based exercise test in a safe and effective manner to predict
peak V O
2
Groups
You will be in groups of three. You will rotate about the roles of subject, tester and helper. The
role of the tester is to carry out and administer the test, and take responsibility for the entire test and
testing environment. There will be 4 stations operating at one time.
Equipment
Group equipment (x4)
Ergometer
Polar heart rate monitor
Stop clock

The Astrand-Ryhming Test - Introduction
The Astrand-Ryhming test was developed in 1954 based on the response of 58 subjects aged 18-30.
It is based on the assumed relationship between V O
2, work rate and heart rate. Astrand and
Rhyming found, when working at a load that required 50% of maximal O
2
consumption, that the
heart rate for a group of healthy male subjects averaged 128 after 6 minutes of work (Astrand and
Rhyming, 1954). The corresponding heart rate for female subjects was 138. When their subjects
worked with a heavier load, thus demanding an oxygen consumption of 70 percent of their aerobic
capacity, the average heart rate was 154 for males and 164 for females. The standard deviation was
8 or 9 beats per minute. Astrand and Rhyming used these data to develop a nomogram for
predicting maximal O
2
consumption from heart rate for one 6 minute submaximal work load. They
fond that the accuracy of prediction varied with the level of the work load selected. On the bicycle
ergometer at 900 kilograms meters per minute (kpm’s), the standard error of prediction for men
was plus or minus 10.4 percent and at 1200 kpm’s it was plus or minus 6.7 percent. The author
found a correlation of .74 between predicted maximal O
2
consumption as measured in the
laboratory.
Protocol
The seat height should be appropriately adjusted for the subject (The correct seat height for
subjects of cycle ergometry is achieved when there is a slight bend of the knee as the ball of
the foot rests on the pedal at the bottom of the pedal stroke).
The subject is prepared for the test with a 3-minute submaximal warm-up involving
pedalling at 60 rpm on the ergometer using a low resistance followed by some stretches of
the appropriate muscles.
With the subject wearing the polar heart rate monitor, check that a signal is being suitably
received.
The initial work load should be set at 60W for females and 120W for males.
On the command, the subject begins to pedal at 60rpm. The subjects heart rate should be
observed throughout.
Record the heart rate at 5 minutes and 6 minutes. If the mean heart rate is between 130 and
170bpm, the test can be terminated. If the mean heart rate is less than 130bpm, increase the
work load by 60W, and continue the test for a further 3 minutes. If the mean heart rate
between minutes 8 and 9 is between 130 and 170bpm, the test can be terminated, and so on.
When the test is completed, reduce the resistance, and continue pedalling for 3 minutes.

Calculations
Use the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram (see below) to estimate V O
2
max. Draw a line between the
mean heart rate during the last two minutes of the test and the final work rate. Multiply the
predicted V O
2
max by the correction factor for age or known maximum heart rate.
Results
Date: ________
Weight (kg): ________
Age: ________
220-age ________
Age correction factor: ________
Ending workload : ________ Ending heart rate: ________
Predicted V O
2
max ________(L/min)
Predicted V O
2
max ________(ml/kg/min)
Reference
ASTRAND, P. O. & RYHMING, I. (1954). A nomogram for calculation of aerobic capacity (physical
fitness) from pulse rate during sub-maximal work. Journal of Applied Physiology 7, 218-221.

Questions to be answered/Discussion Points
What populations and settings do you think this tests may be most suitable for
What assumptions is this test based on
What limitations may there be for this test
Comment upon the validity, reliability and repeatability of these exercise tests
What are the sources of energy for this tests
What should be the duration between tests