Comparison of the Ekblom-Bak submaximal test to a maximal test in a cohort of healthy younger and older adults in the United States

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is routinely investigated in diverse populations, including in older adults of varying physical activity levels. Commonly performed maximal exercise testing protocols might be contraindicated and/or inadequate for older individuals who have physical or cognitive impairment. Moreover, early termination of an attempted maximal exercise test could result in underestimation of CRF in this population. The goal of the current study was to compare CRF estimates using the Ekblom-Bak (EB) submaximal exercise test - previously validated in a cohort of Scandinavian adults - versus a subsequent maximal exercise test in a diverse, Midwestern United States cohort. Fifteen generally healthy individuals were included in this study who were either Young (25-34 years old) or Older (55-75 years old) as well as either sedentary or highly active. Participants completed the EB submaximal exercise test, followed immediately by a maximal exercise test. We found that all 15 individuals were able to successfully perform the EB submaximal testing method. Across the wide range of volumes of maximal oxygen consumption (V