Fitness Center

Cardiovascular Testing

Cardiovascular testing usually measures the body's ability to transport oxygen from the air to the working muscles.  The index of cardiovascular fitness is usually measured as VO2 Max or the maximum volume of oxygen that the body's muscles can use during strenuous exercise.  There are generally two methods of measuring VO2 max, maximal (direct) and submaximal (indirect or estimated).  Lactate threshold testing is also available.  This is usually the workload, heart rate, or % VO2 Max associated with anaerobic metabolism.  This is a very useful tool for endurance athletes to use in their training and evaluation of training.  Anaerobic testing is also available using the Wingate anaerobic cycle test.

1. Maximal Testing ($75) - Maximal testing involves performing an activity, usually running or cycling, until exhaustion.  Subjects first start out at an easy exercise and intensity and then systematically increase to more difficult intensities (referred to as a graded exercise test) until the subject cannot physically continue.  This type of testing gives a direct measurement of VO2 Max.  Subjects breathe into a mouthpiece which is then connected to a metabolic cart.   This metabolic cart directly measures the amount of oxygen that subjects are consuming.  This is the most accurate method for measuring VO2 Max.
    
2. Lactate Threshold Testing ($60) - This test is designed to pinpoint the lactate threshold during cycling or running.  The test starts out with a warm up and then increases quickly to a workload or speed just under your estimated lactate threshold.  It is then slowly increased every 5 to 15 minutes (depending on mode of exercise) until blood lactate levels indicate the lactate threshold.  This test does involve several blood samples taken from the finger.  It is not considered a maximal test but does require a difficult intensity.
   
3. Submaximal Testing ($30)- Submaximal testing involves performing an activity according to certain protocol to estimate VO2 Max.  Subjects do not exercise until exhaustion like the maximal testing.   However, some tests may still use a graded intensity protocol.  There are many types of submaximal tests.  We choose a submaximal test that will work best for the subject.  The following table lists the possible tests that may be selected.
   
4. Wingate Anaerobic Cycle Testing ($30) - This test will measure peak and average anaerobic power on a cycle.  This is useful information for more anaerobic athletes such as sprinters.