Comparison of the 3'Bike Test with the Astrand Bike Test by VO2max

Estimation of VO₂max according to the 3'bike test

“…This study was part of a project named "Testing and applying a new functional test", being implemented at the Center for Sport Medicine and Recreation and at the "Corpore Sano" Center for Sport, Fitness and Nutrition located in Pristina, Kosovo during 2008÷2011. A part of this project, comparing the 3'bike Test with the Astrand bike Test by VO 2 max, has already been published [9]. This study found that the heart rate during the third minute of the 3'bike Test (HR3') is better predictor of VO 2 max than the heart rate during the fifth minute of the Astrand bike Test.…”

“…The purpose of this study was to add to the discussion of using submaximal tests for VO 2 max assessment by continuing this author's research found in a study entitled "Comparison of the 3'bike Test with the Astrand bike Test by VO 2 max" [9], which compared two submaximal ergocycle exercises tests, the 3'bike Test, which had not been previously used as a functional test, and the Astrand Submaximal bike Test. The aim was to derive the regression equation for predicting the aerobic endurance (VO 2 max) of athletes by using the 3'bike Test.…”

“…A number of maximal or submaximal tests are currently in use to measure an individual's VO 2 max score in order to evaluate fitness levels [2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. However, maximal exercise tests (executed on an ergocycle or treadmill) measuring VO 2 max have criticized as being more expensive, complicated, unsuitable and less "pleasant" than submaximal tests, which are less costly, less time con-suming and less risky [9,10]. As a result, researchers have placed more focus on finding less taxing methods of predicting VO 2 max as well as reducing the need for directly measuring VO 2 max by proposing numerous submaximal and non-exercise predictive methods [11][12][13][14].…”

“…As there is no precise method of estimating VO 2 max by only mathematic reasoning, most research has aimed at providing a simple method of determining VO 2 max by using variables that are easily measurable [11]. These tests are based on the principle that such functional tests ought to be widely used, reliable, valid and economically affordable [9]. Researchers have suggested that such functional tests should be multi-staged and feature stepped intensity, meaning that the participant should perform physical exertion at gradually increasing submaximal workloads [15].…”