The Astrand Test is a submaximal cycle ergometer aerobic fitness test, based on the relationship between heart rate during work and percentage of maximal aerobic capacity. The original test method and nomogram (Åstrand, P.-O. & Ryhming, I., 1954) was later expanded and modified (Åstrand, I., 1960) with a nomogram accounting for men and women of different ages. There are many other cycling tests and aerobic fitness tests, such as the similar YMCA Cycle ergometer submaximal test.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Calibrate and adjust the cycle ergometer. Attach heart rate monitor. See more details of pre-test procedures.
description: Allow the subject to warm‐up on the cycle ergometer for 2 to 3 minutes with a resistance of 0 kg and at a cadence of 50. Following this, the subject pedals for 6 minutes at a workload chosen to try and elicit a steady-state heart rate between 125 and 170 bpm. As a guide, the initial workload for men is between 300-600 kp/m/min (unconditioned) and 600-900 (conditioned). For women, 300-450 kp/m/min (unconditioned) and 450-600 (conditioned). Record heart rate every minute during the test. If the heart rate at 5 and 6 minutes is not within 5 beats/min, continue for one extra minute. If the steady-state heart rate achieved is not between 125 and 170 bpm, adjust the workload appropriately and continue for a second 6 minute period. Otherwise, the test is completed.
Astrand scoring nomogram (Åstrand, I., 1960)
scoring (formula): Here is also the formula (Buono et al. 1989) that the nomogram is based on, where predicted VO2max is in L/min, HRss is the steady heart rate after 6 min of exercise, and the workload in kg.m/min. To convert a load in watts to kg.m/min, multiply the watts by 6.12.
females: VO2max = (0.00193 x workload + 0.326) / (0.769 x HRss - 56.1) x 100
males: VO2max = (0.00212 x workload + 0.299) / (0.769 x HRss - 48.5) x 100
age correction: There is an age correction factor to adjust the score depending on the age of the subject. Extrapolate the correction factor for ages between those listed.
| Age | Correction Factor |
|---|---|
| 15 | 1.10 |
| 25 | 1.00 |
| 35 | 0.87 |
| 40 | 0.83 |
| 45 | 0.78 |
| 50 | 0.75 |
| 55 | 0.71 |
| 60 | 0.68 |
| 65 | 0.65 |
validity: the correlation to VO2max is approximately 0.85 - 0.90.
advantages: this is a simple test to administer, reasonably accurate and appropriate for ECG monitoring during exercise.
disadvantages: the test score would be influenced by the variability in maximum heart rate in individuals. It would underestimate the fitness of those with a high maximum heart rate, and overestimate fitness with advancing age (as max HR reduces with age). As it is performed on a cycle ergometer, it would favor cyclists.
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