An Evaluation of the Modified Astrand-Ryhming Nomogram as an Estimator of Maximal Oxygen Consumption

Book excerpt: Forty-eight physically active males were used to evaluate the modified Astrand-Ryhming Nomogram as a predictor of Maximal oxygen consumption. In addition to the modified Astrand Bicycle Ergometer test of Maximal Oxygen Uptake and the Mitchell, Sproule and Chapman Maximal Oxygen Intake test, body height, weight and surface area as well as fitness scores and time run on the Johnson, Brouha and Darling test of Physical Fitness were studied. Oxygen uptake tests were performed in definite sequences and subjects were equally divided by chance into all possible orders. Gas analyses were performed using a Beckman E-2 oxygen analyser and a Godart Capnograph carbon dioxide analyser and checked by the Scholander method. Results were analysed with Pearson Product-moment correlation coefficients and analysis of variance. Results obtained were: In terms of liters per minute, the modified Astrand-Ryhming nomogram produced significant correlations (p = .01) of O .67 with the Mitchell, et al test, and 0.62 with the modified Astrand Bicycle test. The treadmill test correlated 0.51 with the maximal bicycle test. With body weight partialled out the correlations were again significant (p = .01) and equal to 0.53> 0.47» and 0.39 respectively. Fitness scores on the Johnson, Brouha and Darling test produced significant correlations (p = .01) of O .38 with the treadmill test, O .46 with the maximal bicycle test, and 0.55 with the predicted test in terms of liters per minute. Corresponding values in milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute were 0 . 46 , 0.55» and O .67 respectively. Height correlated significantly with the Astrand Bicycle test (p = .01), the Mitchell, et al test (p = .05) and the predictive test (p = .05) in terms of liters per minute. Weight and body surface area produced equivalent results which were significant with all three of the oxygen consumption tests in terms of liters per minute (p = .01) and with the two actual tests (negative relationship) in terms of milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute (p * .05). Fitness scores and endurance measured on the Johnson, et al test did not correlate significantly with height, weight, or body surface area. Within the limits of this study, the following conclusions have been made: 1. For the population studied, the Mitchell, Sproule and Chapman Maximal Oxygen Intake test and the modified Astrand-Ryhming Nomogram for Prediction of Maximal Oxygen Uptake, yielded significantly higher mean values than the modified Astrand Bicycle Ergometer test of Maximal Oxygen Uptake. 2. Statistically equivalent means were obtained on the modified Astrand- Ryhming Nomogram and the Mitchell, Sproule and Chapman Maximal Oxygen Intake test. 5. The Astrand-Ryhming Nomogram produced a significantly greater variance than did the modified Astrand Bicycle Ergometer test and the Mitchell, Sproule and Chapman test. 4. The Astrand-Ryhming Nomogram was able to predict maximal oxygen intake values on the modified Astrand Bicycle Ergometer test and the Mitchell, Sproule and Chapman test as well as the latter tests were able to predict values on each other. 5. As measured by the Johnson, Brouha and Darling test of Physical Fitness, the Astrand-Ryhming Nomogram was able to predict physical fitness as well as the modified Astrand Bicycle Ergometer test and significantly better than the Mitchell, Sproule and Chapman test. 6. Body weight and surface area produced equivalent significant correlations with the three test of maximal oxygen uptake in terms of liters of oxygen consumed per minute. 7. Body height, weight and surface area did not show any significant relationships with the Johnson, Brouha and Darling fitness index or endurance. 8 . Correlation coefficients involving body weight and body surface area proved to be virtually identical.