Race influences the relationship between aerobic power and heart rate recovery.

AIM: This investigation examined the association between aerobic fitness, race, and heart rate recovery. METHODS: Forty white and 40 black subjects participated in the study and were group matched based on age and maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) which was determined via a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill. Heart rate recovery was evaluated at 1-minute (HRR1) and at 2-minutes (HRR2) during an active cool-down period. The subjects were divided by race and whether they were above (A) or below (B) the referenced 50th percentile for VO(2max) for men age 20 - 29 years. RESULTS: When evaluating each race separately, the white men who were in the A group had significantly faster HRR1 (18.2 ± 5.9 beats.min-1 in A versus 16.7 ± 6.0 beats.min-1 in B) and HRR2 (40.9 ± 10.3 beats.min-1 in A versus 32.1 ± 8.5 beats.min-1 in B) compared to the white men in the B group. However, there was no significant difference in either HRR1 (18.2 ± 5.9 beats.min-1 in A versus 16.7 ± 6 beats.min-1 in B) or HRR2 (43.1 ± 10.3 beats.min-1 in A versus 44.4.6 ± 8.2 beats.min-1 in B) between the A and B groups in the black men. The only significant correlation existed between VO(2max) and HRR2 in the white subjects (r=0.33, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that HRR is associated with aerobic fitness in white men but not in black men.

The EMG of conventional abdominal exercise and exercise with a semi-upright commercial device: comparative effects and technique considerations.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the muscle activity of the rectus abdominis (RA) and external obliques (EO) with conventional exercises and while using an upright commercial abdominal training device (the CoreMaster). It was hypothesized that the upright device would elicit higher electromyography (EMG) values compared to conventional abdominal exercises. METHODS: Fifteen subjects (8 males, 7 females) participated in this study. Each subject performed 10 repetitions for 5 exercises: truck lift (TL); trunk rotation to opposite knee (TROK); trunk lift on the CoreMaster (TLCM); trunk rotation on the CoreMaster (TRCM); and trunk rotation with a leg lift on the CoreMaster (TRLLCM). Muscle activity was measured for the RA and EO using surface EMG. A Biopac system (Goleta, CA, USA) processed the EMG signals. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined any difference in the root mean square values and Bonferroni comparisons were used to clarify the order of differences (P<0.05). RESULTS: For the RA, all exercises on the CoreMaster produced significantly higher EMG values compared to the conventional TL. For the EO, TRCM elicited the highest EMG values. However, no significant difference was found for EO between TROK and TRLLCM. CONCLUSION: The CoreMaster elicited a greater challenge to the RA. For the EO, the CoreMaster yielded optimal effects for exercises that required pronounced rotation.

The physiological effects of aerobic dance. A review.

Aerobic dance exercise is currently one of the most commonly practised adult fitness activities. The majority of the research pertaining to this form of exercise supports its application as a valid cardiovascular training alternative, especially for adult females if performed according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines. If, however, the participant is interested in modifying body composition, training frequency, duration, or efforts toward caloric restriction may need to be increased or altered beyond those employed in the aerobic dance training investigations. The amount of energy expended during a bout of aerobic dance can vary dramatically according to the intensity of the exercise. 'Low intensity' dance exercise is usually characterised by less large muscle activity and/or less lower extremity impact, and music of slower tempo. Dance exercise representative of this variety requires a cost of approximately 4 to 5 kcal/minute. Several trials, however, have shown that vigorous 'high intensity' aerobic dance which entails using the large muscle groups can require 10 to 11 kcal/minute. The associated training outcomes could be affected by such differences in dance exercise intensity and style.

The physiological effects of bench/step exercise.

Recent investigation of acute cardiorespiratory responses to the current 'popularised' style of bench/step exercise has validated its use in improving aerobic physical fitness, particularly in women. However, no marked differences in relative measures of cardiorespiratory demand have been reported between men and women. Instructor data and training investigations further substantiate the effectiveness of bench/step exercise in promoting physical fitness, including upper body strength. However, the energy cost of bench/step exercise can vary dramatically. Important factors include, the selected step height, exercise rate, imposed step manoeuvre, routine format and use of hand-held weights. Hand-held weights may be more useful for men than woman. During training, bench/step exercise has been reported to yield a high incidence of grade I injury complaints, particularly in the calf and shoulder region. However, nearly 90% of these complaints were attributable to acute muscle soreness. Few serious injuries have been associated with the activity. Biomechanical research has shown that the ground reaction forces (GRF) experienced during bench stepping are lower than running and directly related to the step height and type of manoeuvre. In addition, compared with novices, instructors exhibit a moderation in the GRF pattern generated during landing. This suggests that a learning effect has occurred and that teachers yield a more consistent landing pattern. Finally, the activity may be effective in improving body composition, but a consideration of factors related to energy expenditure (e.g. exercise duration and dietary control) appear to be important in regimens prescribed for modifying body fat.

The cardiovascular and metabolic effects of bench stepping exercise in females.

The purpose of this investigation was to measure cardiovascular and metabolic responses to 20 min continuous bouts of "choreographed" bench stepping exercise in healthy females. Four frequently used bench heights were employed in a cross-over design: 15.2 cm (6 inches, B-6), 20.3 cm (8 inches, B-8), 25.4 cm (10 inches, B-10), and 30.5 cm (12 inches, B-12). Oxygen uptake (VO2) responses were significantly more pronounced in direct relationship to the bench height: B-12 greater than B-10 greater than B-8 greater than B-6 (P less than 0.05). Mean responses for VO2 ranged from 28.4 ml.kg-1.min-1 for B-6 to 37.3 ml.kg-1.min-1 for B-12. Interestingly, no difference was revealed for heart rate and the respiratory exchange ratio between B-12 and B-10 despite a higher VO2 for B-12 (B-12, B-10 greater than B-8 greater than B-6, P less than 0.05). The incorporation of 0.91 kg (2 lb) hand weights with exercise on the 20.3 cm bench elicited a modest but statistically significant increase in VO2 compared with no hand weights. No significant increase in VO2 was revealed for conditions that employed 0.45 kg (1 lb) hand weights. The results demonstrate that aerobic bench stepping is an exercise modality that provides sufficient cardiorespiratory demand for enhancing aerobic fitness and promoting weight loss in females.

Validation of body composition models for high school wrestlers.

This study investigates the utility of two equations for predicting minimum wrestling weight and three equations for predicting body density for the population of high school wrestlers. A sample of 54 wrestlers was assessed for body density by underwater weighing, residual volume by helium dilution, and selected anthropometric measures. The differences between observed and predicted responses were analyzed for the five models. Four statistical tests were used to validate the equations, including tests for the mean of differences, proportion of positive differences, equality of standard errors from regression, and equivalence of regression coefficients between original and second sample data. The Michael and Katch equation and two Forsyth and Sinning equations (FS1 and FS21) for body density did not predict as well as expected. The Michael and Katch equation tends to overpredict body density while FS1 underpredicts. The FS2 equation, consisting of a constant adjustment to FS1, predicts well near the mean but not at the ends of the sample range. The two Tcheng and Tipton equations produce estimates which slightly but consistently overpredict minimum wrestling weight, the long form equation by 2.5 pounds and the short form by 3.8 pounds. As a result the proportion of positive differences is less than would be expected. But based on the tests for the standard errors and regression coefficients, the evidence does not uniformly reject these two equations.

Cardiovascular and metabolic costs of forward, backward, and lateral motion.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the metabolic and cardiovascular responses of movement in forward (FM), backward (BM), and lateral (LM) directions. METHODS: Thirteen athletes with the following characteristics (mean +/- SD) were evaluated: age 21+/-3 yr, height 172.0+/-9.0 cm, weight 62.92+/-9.05 kg, and VO2max 54.13+/-7.42 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1). Subjects were evaluated at 80.45 and 134.08 m x min(-1). A repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05). RESULTS: At 80.45 m x min(-1), the following respective VO2 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) and heart rate (HR) beats x min(-1) responses were: FM = 12.42+/-2.29, 113+/-10; BM = 15.95+/-2.45, 132+/-16; and LM = 22.10+/-4.76, 140+/-15. Both VO2 and HR were significantly different between conditions: LM > BM > FM. At 134.08 m x min(-1), the following respective VO2 and HR responses were: FM = 27.15+/-2.51, 146+/-7; BM = 31.33+/-5.77, 168+/-11; and LM = 32.58+/-5.74, 169+/-10. At 134.08 m x min(-1) neither HR or VO2 were significantly different between LM or BM (LM, BM, > FM). Stride length and stride frequency were also significantly different between conditions. These results indicate the variation in the energy cost of FM, BM, and LM.

Cross-validation of non-exercise predictions of VO2peak in women.

The purpose of this investigation was to cross-validate non-exercise (N-Ex %fat and N-Ex BMI) models for predicting VO2peak in females, and to evaluate the validity of these models in estimating fitness status, based on a < 9 METs cardiovascular fitness/health-risk criterion. Subjects were 165 females who completed the PA-R activity scale and were evaluated for VO2peak and body composition. The cross-validation statistics for the N-Ex %fat and N-Ex BMI models were: ryy' = 0.86, E = 6.3 (ml.kg-1.min-1), and ryy' = 0.81, E = 6.9 (ml.kg-1.min-1), respectively. Both models were found to accurately identify 87% of the subjects with VO2peak < 9 METs. The statistics associated with the < 9 MET criterion were: ryy' = 0.73, E = 3.4 (ml.kg-1.min-1), and ryy' = 0.80, E = 4.5 (ml.kg-1.min-1), for N-Ex %fat and N-Ex BMI, respectively. The N-Ex models yielded values similar to those reported previously (Jackson, A. S., S. N. Blair, M. T. Mahar, L. T. Wier, R. M. Ross, and J. E. Stuteville. Prediction of functional aerobic capacity without exercise testing. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 22:863-870, 1990). When exercise testing is not an option, the present N-Ex models provide an alternative method for predicting VO2peak in females.

Physical and performance characteristics of successful high school football players.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the performance and physiologic characteristics of a "successful" American high school football team, and to compare the present values with values reported for other groups of high school, college, and professional players. For descriptive purposes, players were divided into two groups: backs (N = 8) and linemen (N = 10). Maximal aerobic power (VO2max) was determined from a maximal treadmill test, and body composition was evaluated by hydrostatic weighing. Maximal strength values were evaluated by one-repetition maximum bench press and squat test; the sit-and-reach test was used to measure flexibility. Speed and power were evaluated by a vertical jump and a 36.6-meter sprint. Results indicate that compared with other groups of college and professional players, as the level of competition increases so do height, weight, and fat-free weight of the players. Similar maximum oxygen consumption values were found for the present group when compared with other groups of these players. From the strength and power standpoint, football players at all levels are becoming stronger. Incorporation of strength training programs has greatly improved strength and performance profiles of football players at all levels of competition.

Evaluation of warm-up for improvement in flexibility.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of warming the joints by jogging and then stretching on increases in joint flexibility. Subjects were 51 students enrolled in a physical conditioning class assigned to a jog and then stretch (JS), stretch and no jog (S), or a control group (C). Both the JS and S groups performed a series of stretching exercises 2 days a week for 9 weeks, with the JS group jogging for 5 minutes prior to stretching. Subjects were pretested and posttested for shoulder, hamstrings, trunk, and ankle flexibility with a Leighton flexometer. Results of t-tests indicated that significant increases in flexibility occurred for all of the joint angles evaluated for both the JS and S groups with the exception of trunk flexibility for the JS group. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) of gain scores indicated a significant gain in ankle flexibility for the JS group compared to S and C groups. The S group produced a significant gain in trunk flexibility compared to the JS group. Both JS and S groups were effective in improving flexibility, but when the gain scores were compared the results were variable. The data from this study again demonstrate that increases in flexibility can occur as a result of a static stretching training program. However, the results do not support the claim that warming the muscles prior to stretching by jogging will result in significant increases for all of the joint angles evaluated. Both methods offer possible advantages associated with improving joint flexibility.

Effects of exercise training on aerobic fitness in African-American females.

Physical inactivity, a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is more prevalent within the African-American population. Unfortunately, only a few investigators have documented the effects of exercise training studies on cardiovascular fitness in this cohort. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a six-week endurance exercise training program on aerobic fitness (VO2peak) in African-American females. Twenty-five women (16 treatment, 9 controls, mean age 23.1+/-3.9) participated in the study. The six-week exercise training protocol consisted of exercising three times a week on a cycle ergometer between 60-70% VO2peak for 20 minutes. No significant changes in aerobic fitness were observed in the control group. However, the relative and absolute VO2peak significantly increased by 18% and 19%, respectively, in the treatment group, 21.7+/-2.6 to 25.6+/-2.8 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) (P<.01) and 1.77+/-2.7 to 2.11+/-3.8 L x min(-1) (P<.01). The maximal heart rates and respiratory exchange ratios were not significantly different between pre- and post-training, suggesting that similar efforts were given. These results document the fact that significant increases in aerobic fitness are possible with a moderate exercise training regime in an African-American female population.

Hemodynamic responses to cold stress in blacks: effect of application site.

Black Americans have been shown to exhibit increased blood pressure responses to a variety of physical stressors. However, few investigators have examined hemodynamic responses to cold stress. Additionally, no studies have compared blood pressure responses to forehead and foot stress in blacks. Therefore, in this study, hemodynamic responses to cold pressor tests were compared in 30 blacks (15 males, 15 females) utilizing two application sites. Baseline comparisons of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), forearm blood flow (FBF) and forearm vascular resistance (FVR) were not different prior to forehead and foot cold stress. Following baseline measurements, ice was applied separately to the forehead and foot for 90 seconds with hemodynamic measurements being recorded at 45 and 90 seconds. During application of ice to the forehead, FVR-90 was significantly higher (P < .002, 97.0 units vs. 66.4 units) compared to the foot. The application of ice to the foot resulted in significantly greater SBP-45 responses (P < .0001, 147 mmHg vs. 139 mmHg), HR-45 responses (P < .0043, 80, b.min-1 vs. 69 b.min-1). HR-90 responses (P < .0001, 78 b.min-1 vs. 64 b.min-1), and FBF-45 responses (P < .05, 2.74 ml.min-1.100ml-1 vs. 1.98 ml.min-1.100ml-1). These findings suggest that blacks exhibit disparate patterns of reactivity in response to cold stress as a function of application site. Therefore, investigators should consider the application site when interpreting studies examining a biracial cohort.

Exercise training in black adolescents: changes in blood lipids and Vo2max.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of a 15-week exercise training program on cardiovascular and blood lipid variables in black adolescents. Subjects consisted of black males with 12 of these participating in an exercise conditioning program and 5 designated as the control group participating in a team sports program. The mean +/- SD age was 12.8 +/- 0.97 yrs. Training for the exercise group was conducted 5 d.wk-1 for 15 weeks (weight training 2 d.wk-1 and aerobic training 3 d.wk-1). The following mean +/- SD significant changes were found for pre- to post-training for the exercise group (P < 0.05) with no significant change for controls: high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 1.11 +/- 0.18 to 1.28 +/- 0.17 (mmol.l-1), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 2.73 +/- 0.74 to 2.41 +/- 0.81 (mmol.l-1), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) 43.7 +/- 9.4 to 48.2 +/- 9.7 (ml.kg-1.min-1), and maximal ventilation (VE max) 70.59 +/- 16.8 to 80.93 +/- 14.6 (L.min-1). In addition, no significant changes were found for blood pressure or other blood lipid parameters for either group. Results of this study show that exercise training can favorably alter blood lipid and VO2max values. Therefore, a vigorous exercise training program for young black males can favorably affect their cardiovascular risk profile.

Physiologic profile of recreational male and female novice and experienced Tae Kwon Do practitioners.

AIM: Subjects, 28 recreational male and female novice and experienced Tae Kwon Do practitioners (age 19-42 years), were examined on 6 physiological parameters: body composition (BF%, skinfold measures), flexibility (sit-and-reach and leg-splits tests), lower and upper-body dynamic muscular strength (leg press and bench press), abdominal strength and endurance (1-minute timed, bent-knee sit-ups test), lower extremity explosive power (vertical jump-and-reach test), and cardiovascular endurance (graded exercise treadmill test). METHODS: Subjects were assigned to 1 of the 4 following groups: Tae Kwon Do experienced and trained men (MT), Tae Kwon Do experienced and trained women (FT), novice Tae Kwon Do men (MN), and novice Tae Kwon Do women (FN). RESULTS: Results of multiple testing procedures and comparison across groups indicated that Tae Kwon Do black belts were more athletically fit as compared with that of novice Tae Kwon Do practitioners of the same sex in spite of the fact that male and female black belts were older than their novice counterparts. Experienced Tae Kwon Do subjects were stronger as measured by lower body strength and showed better aerobic performance capacity as well as lower percent body fat. Additionally, MT subjects demonstrated higher flexibility. CONCLUSION: The highly diverse training, repeated and continuous use of the legs and arms alone or combined with maximal stretching, and high intensity exercise may account for observed differences among groups.

The heart rate VO2 relationship of aerobic dance: a comparison of target heart rate methods.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) for aerobic dance exercise. Therefore, eleven females completed 20 minutes of aerobic dance with continuous monitoring of HR and VO2. These physiological responses were analyzed with correlation/regression techniques. The results showed that for aerobic dance to produce a response in excess of 50% of VO2 max, the target HR must be approximately 80% of the age-predicted HR max or greater. In contrast, previously reported data for treadmill running shows that 50% of VO2 max is achieved at approximately 65% of age-predicted HR max in females. The maximum heart rate reserve (Karvonen) method was also found to underestimate the actual VO2 of AD. With the Karvonen method, the target heart rate must approximate 65% of maximum HR reserve in order to elicit a VO2 response which is representative of 50% of VO2 max. These data support recent research which illustrates that target heart rate prescriptions derived from treadmill testing may fail to accurately place AD participants in the recommended training zone.

The metabolic responses of slideboard exercise in females.

Recently, slideboard exercise training has been introduced as a mode of aerobic training. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the acute cardiovascular and metabolic responses to slideboard exercise. Subjects consisted of 20 healthy females with a mean age of 26.5 +/- 7.9 years, and a VO2max of 40.8 +/- 5.6 ml.kg-1.min-1. The results of the investigation showed that 10 min of a commercially produced slideboard routine elicited mean heart rate (HR) responses ranging from 160 to 168 beats.min-1 and VO2 values of 27.5 to 33.5 ml.kg-1.min-1. A sub-group of 10 subjects was also evaluated while performing sliding exercise at different sliding rates (SR). Subjects performed the standard slide technique at metronome cadences of SR-40, SR-50, and SR-60 slide.min-1. As sliding rate increased so did HR and VO2. The subjects demonstrated mean responses of approximately 55 to 81% of VO2max for the slower to the most rapid sliding rates, respectively. Compared to treadmill exercise at the same oxygen consumption levels, the heart rates for sliding were approximately 15% higher. Slideboard exercise can be an alternative mode of aerobic training.

Bench stepping and running in women. Changes in fitness and injury status.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate injury rates and changes in VO2peak in women associated with aerobic exercise (bench stepping and running). METHODS: A pretest post-test repeated measures design was used to evaluate changes in VO2peak after training for 10 weeks, 3 days per week, for 1 hour per session. Injury incidence was monitored by questionnaires throughout the training program. SETTING: All testing and training took place at Auburn University Montgomery, Montgomery, AL, USA. PARTICIPANTS: The subjects were women enrolled in university physical activity courses. The exercise groups consisted of 23 women who performed bench exercise and 15 who performed running-jogging. Eleven subjects served as non-exercising controls. INTERVENTION: The 10-week exercise training program served as the intervention. MEASURES: Subjects were both pre- and post-tested for VO2peak by open circuit calorimetry. Body composition was estimated from a 7-site skinfold equation. A daily injury log was maintained to evaluate injury status. RESULTS: A repeated measures ANOVA found similar significant improvements in VO2peak for both the bench and running groups with no change for the control group. An evaluation of the injuries graded II or higher found 0.29 injuries per 100 hrs for the bench group and 0.66 injuries per 100 hrs for the running group. When all complaints were considered (grade I to grade IV) the rates increased to 2.44 per 100 hrs for the running group and 6.09 per 100 hrs for the bench group. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic bench exercise produced similar changes in VO2peak compared to running. The results indicated that the primary injury complaints were grade I and related to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The bench group experienced an greater incidence of grade I complaints while the running group experienced a slightly greater incidence of more serious grade II or higher injuries.

A test to estimate VO2max in females using aerobic dance, heart rate, BMI, and age.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to develop a sub-maximal exercise test for estimating VO2max utilizing aerobic dance. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: One hundred females between the ages 18 to 40 yr served as the subjects for test validation. The subjects completed a treadmill test to determine VO2max and were assessed for heart rate (HR) response to a bout of aerobic dance. The data associated with responses to treadmill exercise and the aerobic dance test, in conjunction with descriptive variables (e.g., age, BMI) were utilized in the validation of the multiple regression model. MEASURES: Reliability was determined by correlation and paired "t"-tests of the aerobic dance routine test and retest trials. The construction of the multiple regression equation, via forward entry analysis, and the cross-validation of the regression equation were completed to ensure the validity and reliability of the protocol in accurately estimating VO2max. RESULTS: Test, retest reliability for the dance-exercise routine was demonstrated (r = 0.98). Moreover, no significant differences were shown between the HR responses for the test and retest trials. The multiple regression analysis yielded a three variable multiple prediction equation for estimating VO2max (R = 0.84; SEE, 5.5 ml.kg-1.min-1). The three variables were the HR response to four min of aerobic dance (HR4), body mass index (BMI), and age (years). Cross-validation of the aerobic dance test was determined with a second group of 50 female subjects (R = 0.83; SEE, 5.5 ml.kg-1.min-1). Additionally, the application of the validation group regression equation to the cross-validation group yielded a comparable R of 0.82. Comparison of the predicted values for VO2max from both equations also yielded a highly significant invariance coefficient of 0.96. Finally, the results of "t"-tests between the observed and predicted mean values for VO2max revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Therefore, the final prediction equation, based on collapsing the means associated with the validation and cross validation samples (n = 150), was: VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1) = 130.18-(0.38 * HR4)-(0.81 * BMI)-(0.27 * Age); R = 0.84, SEE = 5.5 ml.kg-1.min-1. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a four minute aerobic dance test provides a valid and reliable sub-maximal protocol for estimating VO2max and providing an index of aerobic fitness in apparently healthy 18 to 40 yr old females.

Voice problems and risk factors among aerobics instructors.

Fifty female and four male aerobics instructors completed a questionnaire pertaining to vocal problems and variables that could indicate an increased risk for developing problems. The questions concerned teaching experience, physical data regarding instructional facilities, method of voice projection, music volume, history of illness, allergies, voice loss, hoarseness, smoking habits, and knowledge of vocal hygiene. The results showed that a significant number of instructors experienced partial or complete voice loss (44%) during and after instructing, as well as increased episodes of voice loss, hoarseness, and sore throat unrelated to illness since they began instructing. Significant variables associated with voice problems included sore throat and hoarseness following instruction, and shouting to cue the participants. It was also found that very few instructors in this study had any knowledge of vocal hygiene techniques.

The prediction of fitness levels of United States Air Force officers: validation of cycle ergometry.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the accuracy of the United States Air Force cycle ergometer test (CET) to predict maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of Air Force officers. The United States Air Force is currently evaluating cardiovascular fitness by cycle ergometry. In order to validate the accuracy of the CET, 50 male Air Force officers who were attending professional military education at Maxwell AFB were evaluated by a maximal treadmill Bruce test and open circuit spirometry. Characteristics of the subjects included the following mean values +/- SD: VO2max = 47.9 +/- 10.3 ml.kg-1.minute-1; age = 39.3 +/- 3.9 years; weight = 76.9 +/- 9.5 kg; height = 176.4 +/- 8.8 cm; percent fat = 20 +/- 9%; heart rate max = 174 +/- 10 beats.minute-1; and respiratory exchange ratio = 1.09 +/- 0.09. The predicted VO2max with the cycle ergometer test was 39.9 +/- 9.8 ml.kg-1.minute-1. The following product-moment correlation was derived between criterion VO2max (maximal treadmill test and the CET: r = 0.74 and standard error of estimate = 6.9 ml.kg-1.minute-1). A repeated measures analysis of variance between the CET and maximal treadmill test found a significant mean difference of 8.0 ml.kg-1.minute-1 (p < 0.0001). The CET significantly underpredicted fitness levels of Air Force officers. Based upon Air Force standards, the CET underpredicted oxygen uptake values by approximately one fitness category or 17%.