Evaluation of a new standardized modified ramp protocol : the modified BSU ramp protocol

The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction equation for peak oxygen uptake using the Modified BSU Ramp protocol. Thirty-four subjects (14 men and 20 women, age 32-83 years) completed the standard Ball State University Adult Physical Fitness Program quiet and exercise testing sessions, with the maximal exercise test conducted with the Modified BSU Ramp protocol. The modified ramp protocol increases speed and grade every 20 seconds, and it increases by - 0.15 METs every increment for the first 6 minutes and --0.3 METs per increment thereafter. The Modified BSU ramp protocol was developed to allow for reasonable exercise test times from a standardized ramp protocol with individuals with low functional capacities < 10 METs. Pre-test procedures included height and weight measurements, resting blood pressure, resting heart rate, body fat measures, a blood lipid profile, and resting electrocardiogram (ECG). Exercise testing included ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure that were recorded prior to, during, and in the recovery phase of exercise. Subjects were instructed to continue exercise until fatigue, and respiratory gases were collected to determine V02 . Data was then analyzed using multiple regression techniques. Gender, age, body weight, and treadmill test time were the significant predictors, which were used in the regression equation (R2 = 0.586, SEE = 3.54 ml-kg-'.min'). An equation was developed from the lone predictor, treadmill test time with R2 = .37 and SEE = 4.1 ml•kg'•min'. The equation is as follows: VOA = 4.932 + 1.934 (test time (min)). Of the tests conducted on the Modified BSU ramp protocol, 82% were within an "ideal" test time window of 812 minutes, and 97% were within an "acceptable" test time window of 6-15 minutes. In conclusion, VOA can be estimated with acceptable accuracy (i.e. SEE - ± I MET) from the Modified BSU Ramp protocol, and for clinical purposes it is a suitable protocol to use when testing low fit individuals.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.S.