The weighted walking test as an alternative method of assessing aerobic power

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2max) directly during uphill walking exercise and to compare these values with those achieved during running and cycling exercise. Forty untrained students (20 males and 20 females) took part in three exercise tests. The running test was performed on a horizontal treadmill and the speed was gradually increased by 0.3 m · s−1 every 3 min. The walking test was conducted on a treadmill inclined at 12% (speed of 1.8 m · s−1). The load was further increased every 3 min by the addition of a mass of one-twentieth of the body mass of the participant (plastic containers filled with water and added to a backpack carried by the participant). During the bicycle ergometry test, the workload was increased by 20 W every 2 min. All tests were performed until volitional exhaustion. During all tests, oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, tidal volume, respiratory frequency, heart rate, hydrogen ion concentration, base excess, and blood lactate concentration were analysed. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the weighted walking test and the commonly applied running and bicycle ergometry tests indicate a strong association with the new test in evaluating maximal oxygen uptake. The negligible differences in [Vdot]O2max between the three tests for the male participants (running: 61.0 ml · kg−1 · min−1; walking: 60.4 ml · kg−1 · min−1; cycling: 60.2 ml · kg−1 · min−1), and the fact that the females achieved better results on the walking test than the cycle ergometer test (running: 45.0 ml · kg−1 · min−1; walking: 42.6 ml · kg−1 · min−1; cycling: 40.1 ml · kg−1 · min−1), confirm the suitability of the new method for evaluating aerobic power. The weighted walking test could be useful in the assessment of aerobic power in individuals for whom running is not advised or is difficult. In addition, the new test allows for determination of [Vdot]O2max on small treadmills with a limited speed regulator, such as those found in specialist physiotherapy and fitness centres.