The Aastrand fitness test Print E-mail
The Aastrand test is a submaximal test conducted on a bicycle ergometer. It is completed within 5 minutes.

monark824sInstructions:
1. Choose a workload that will elicit a heart rate of 120-160 bpm after 5 minutes of bicycling.
2. The workload chosen should be either 50, 75, 100 or 150 watts
3. Bicycle at a constant pace (50-70 RPM) and note heart rate after 5 minutes.

 

 Float this calculator Float this calculator

 


Background:

This is the classical Aastrand test that has been used for more than 40 years. The formulas behind the test are based on regression analysis on several hundred subjects. The test is based on the association between heart rate and oxygen uptake and the association between workload in watts and oxygen uptake. By measuring the work and heart rate on a submaximal workload, an estimation can be made on the probable workload that could be performed at maximal heart rate.

There is however some uncertainty associated with estimation of maximal heart from age and therefore this test carries at least the same amount of uncertainty. Two thirds of the results from this test will be within a 15% deviation. Approximately 5% of the results will  be more than 30% wrong.

Performed under the same conditions this test is very good for tracking changes in fitness over time or estimating the mean fitness in a population. This can be done within minimal time and effort. 

 

 Reference:
Textbook of work physiology. Åstrand & Rodahl. 3rd ed. McGraw Hill 1986. Side 363-384.

Comments (2)add comment

Personal Trainer CT said:

Is it possible to get this calculator html code onto a website? Great tool!
Personal Trainer CT
July 06, 2010

sun said:

1. Is it possible to get the theoretical background / equation used in this Astrand calculator?

2. Can you expand this calculator to 175 and 200w?

3. For me it seems like cadence around 70rpm gives me the most correct results based on earier vomax test and other calulators. Cadence below 60 gives me too high vo2max.
April 11, 2010


Write comment
smaller | bigger

busy