Proposal Of a New Test For The Evaluation Of The Cardio-respiratory Fitness

Introduction
The maximal oxygen uptakes (VO2 max.) is considered as a determinant index of cardio respiratory fitness [2]. Nowadays, the evaluation of this parameter is restricted by the high operational cost and/or by the necessity of a good physical aptitude of the evaluated individual. The aim of this work is to evaluate, with scientific parameters, a new cardio respiratory fitness test named "walking test under controlled effort" (WTCE)

Methods
In this study 37 individuals, being 9 obese (3 male and 6 female), 10 women in post-menopause, and 18 college students (15 male and 3 female), age between 13 to 72 year old, performed tests and retests of the "walking test under controlled effort" (WTCE), for the evaluation of the test reproducibility, that is, the accurateness of the measurements and the independence of the result of the test from the evaluator [3]. The test consists in walking 800 meters in an intensity corresponding of 70 % of the maximum heart rate (MHR), measured by a frequency meter (Polar model Vantage NV). An analysis of the intra-class correlation was used to verify the reproducibility of the test [4].

Results
For a better understanding of the proposed test see graphic 1, which displays an example of the test realized by a female individual, age 49 years old, with a heart rate (HR) of 119 bpm. Table 1 shows the result of the correlation between the test and retest, for the verification of the test reproducibility.

Conclusion
The results of this study reveal that the "walking test under controlled effort" (WTCE) presents a high level of reproducibility, that is, when the test is applied and reapplied in a short period of time, the results are very similar, independent of the evaluator. Thus, we plan to verify the validity of this test, given emphasis to the population of low physical aptitude (obese, elder, etc.) who need methods of physical evaluation more adequate for their physical aptitude.

References
[1]. Leibetseder V.J. et al. (2002). J. Exerc. Physiol. v.5, n.3, p. 6-13.
[2]. Powers, S.K; Howley, E.T. (2000) Fisiologia do exercício, teoria e aplicação ao condicionamento e ao desempenho. São Paulo, Manole.
[3]. Weineck, J. (2000). Futebol total: o treinamento físico no futebol. São Paulo, Phorte,.
[4]. Zar, J. (1999). Biostatistical Analyses. Saddle River, Prentice-Hall.

NOTA: O texto com a iconografia está no anexo.

Arquivo