Rockport Fitness Walking Test Research Articles

Submaximal Walking Tests: A Review of Clinical Use

ABSTRACT Though graded exercise testing is the gold standard for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness, submaximal exercise testing is also useful to assess cardiorespiratory status and functional capacity when maximal testing is not feasible. Submaximal walking tests are advantageous as they have less risk, lower cost, require less time and equipment, and walking is a familiar activity that is easy to do in most environments. A number of submaximal walking tests exist for both overground and treadmill walking. Regression equations to predict V̇o2max values based on walking time, distance, and other variables that influence exercise tolerance have been developed for some submaximal tests, including the Rockport Fitness Walking Test and the Single-Stage Treadmill Walk Test. The 6-Minute Walk Test is a common test used in clinical populations to predict prognosis and assess change in functional capacity after intervention. Determining which submaximal walking test to use depends on purpose and setting, subject characteristics, equipment availability, space, and time. This review will provide clinicians with an overview of submaximal walking test protocols and provide reference equations and minimal clinically important difference values to interpret results.

Assessment of the Relationship Between Executive Function and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Older Adults.

Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and brain health in healthy older adults have been reported using a variety of cardiorespiratory fitness estimates (CRFe). Using commonly used methods to determine CRF, we assessed the relationship between CRFe and executive function performance. Healthy older adults (n = 60, mean age 68 years, 77% women), underwent three CRF tests: a Maximal Graded Exercise Test performed on a cycle ergometer, the Rockport Fitness Walking Test, and a Non-Exercise Prediction Equation. Executive function was assessed by a computerized cognitive assessment using an N-Back task (updating cost) and a Stroop task (interference cost, global and local switch cost). Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between different CRFe and executive function performance. Regardless of age and education, cardiorespiratory fitness estimated from the Maximal Graded Exercise Test and the Rockport Fitness Walking Test was significantly associated with the global switch cost. All CRFe were associated with the interference cost. No association was observed between CRFe and local switching costs or the updating costs. In the present study, not all subcomponents of executive function were related to CRFe. Interestingly, the executive functions that were associated with CRFe are those that are known to be the most affected by aging.

Efficacy of Ashwagandha (withania somnifera [l.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance (VO2 max test) in healthy subjects

In Ayurveda, certain herbal formulas are considered to be Rasayana and they are typically taken over periods of time to regenerate both brain and body tissue. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is used as an adaptogen, antioxidant, immune modulator, free radical scavenger, anti stress, anti arthritic, antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, nervous tonic, nerve soothing and anticancer agent. Ashwagandha (WS) as a nutritional supplement is yet too established. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) is a gold standard of cardiopulmonary and muscle cell fitness is considered. The study evaluated the efficacy of Ashwagandha to improve cardiorespiratory endurance (VO2 max) in healthy subjects. They randomized single blind controlled comparative clinical study. 54 health volunteers in each group, study group received Ashwagandha Choorna 12gm with milk (200ml) empty stomach in the morning and the control group only milk (200ml). Maximal capacity of oxygen intake in ml/kg/min (VO2 max) with Rockport fitness walking test of both study and control group were measured before intervention (0th day), after the intervention (60th day) and follow up (90th day). A significant improvement in the VO2 max (F=20.675, P <0.0001) and Hemoglobin (X2=74.150 P <0.0001) in the study group was found. Supplementation of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) with milk improve hemoglobin and VO2 max (maximum aerobic capacity).

Adherence of Female Health Care Workers to the Use a Web-Based Tool for Improving and Modifying Lifestyle: Prospective Target Group Pilot Study.

BackgroundHealth care professionals are exposed to the psychological and physiological effects of stress, which is a well-known risk factor for various mental and physical health problems.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to assess the adherence of female health care workers to use a web-based tool for improving and modifying lifestyle and to identify the potential factors influencing their adherence.MethodsA prospective, observational study was performed. A total of 80 female health care workers (physicians and gradated nurses) from 2 university medical centers and female members of a family medicine society participated. Participants completed a questionnaire that inquired about their basic demographic data and physical fitness. Physical fitness was assessed by the Rockport Fitness Walking Test. Adherence to a web-based application (24@life) was followed for 3 months and the number of log-ins into the application was counted.ResultsThe study was conducted from March to October 2019. Significantly high workload has been detected in all groups (P<.05), except in the general practitioner with normal workload group. The graduated nurse working in the surgery room group showed chronic stress with elevated S-cortisol levels (>690 nmol/L); activated cellular immune system with elevated concentrations of lymphocytes (reference 1.1-2.5 × 109 cells/L), CD3 cells (reference 0.7-1.9 × 109 cells/L), CD8 cells (reference 0.2-0.7 × 109 cells/L), and HLA-DR/CD3 cells (reference 0.04-0.2 × 109 cells/L); and the worst quality of sleep (mean 2.8 [SD 1.2]). Only 32 of 80 participants (40%) were adherent to the web-based application. Participants most frequently viewed web pages on areas of physical activity (497 times) and nutrition (332 times). No factors or participant’s characteristics such as weight (odds ratio [OR] 1.026, 95% CI 0.977-1.078), BMI (OR 0.993, 95% CI 0.834-1.184), age (OR 0.970, 95% CI 0.910-1.034), or stress level (OR 0.997, 95% CI 0.995-1.000) were identified to affect the adherence rates.ConclusionsFemale health care workers exposed to high workload did not find the web-based application useful for improving and modifying their lifestyle. Therefore, other strategies that might help health care workers facing stress and improve their lifestyle should be identified.

Quarter-mile walk test sensitive to training-induced fitness changes.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important aspect of the overall health of an individual and its monitoring must be promoted in the general population. Thus, the aim of the study was to cross-validate and improve CRF estimation based on quarter-mile Rockport Fitness Walking Test. Thirty participants (31.4±7.99 years) were randomized in either a four-week aerobic training group (10 men and 10 women) or a control group (eight men and two women). CRF was assessed via VO2max test and estimated via quarter-mile Rockport Fitness and Ebbeling treadmill tests, before and after the training intervention. The original quarter-mile Rockport VO2max estimation was found to greatly overestimate CRF by 22 mL/kg/min. When its coefficient was updated according to our data, it largely improved (by 6.8 mL/kg/min). Furthermore, a new algorithm for predicting VO2max was designed using multi-linear regression analysis. The original quarter-mile Rockport Fitness Walking Test was not sensitive to CRF changes. It showed changes in VO2max, which were significantly different from the actual observed changes (-1.1±4.08 vs. 1.61±2.84, P=0.02, respectively). The Ebbeling treadmill test appeared to systematically overestimate CRF changes. Our new algorithm showed improved sensitivity for detecting CRF changes and stability. The original quarter-mile Rockport Fitness Walking Test equation for predicting VO2max was neither accurate nor sensitive to changes in CRF, most likely due to cardiovascular drift. Our new algorithm, based on the same brisk walking test, can provide a more accurate estimate of CRF, which is also sensitive to VO2max changes, in a broad age range (18 to 50 years).

Aerobic Capacities of Early College High School Students

The Early College High School Initiative (ECHSI) was introduced in 2002. Since 2002, limited data, especially student physical activity data, have been published pertaining to the ECHSI. The purpose of this study was to examine the aerobic capacities of early college students and compare them to state and national averages. Early college students (N = 294) enrolled in a 16-week, aerobically-based, physical activity college course at a medium-sized North Carolina community college from 2006 to 2012 completed the Rockport Fitness Walking Test during the 2nd and 14th week of their class as a course requirement. Between the two test administrations, students adhered to a week-long walk, jog, run exercise program based on their initial walking test score and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exercise prescription guidelines (ACSM, 2010). Significant differences existed between male and female students’ aerobic capacities during the pretest (p = .03) and posttest (p = .04). The results are similar to 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and 2011 In-school Prevention of Obesity and Disease (IsPOD) data. Findings suggest that early college students’ cardiorespiratory fitness scores are similar to nonearly college students of the same age and gender. Early colleges are presented with an opportunity to be local, state, and national leaders by requiring early college students to complete multiple credits of physical education/activity in a 4- to 5-year early college experience.

Health awareness, motor performance and physical activity of female university students

Health awareness, motor performance and physical activity of female university students Study aim: To assess body composition, health awareness and cardiorespiratory fitness in female university students differing in volume of obligatory physical activity classes. Material and methods: 109 female students of the University of West Hungary volunteered to participate in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups according to frequency and volume of obligatory physical activity: students of recreation and health education programmes (RHE; n = 27) and of social pedagogy, tourism and catering, and teacher training programmes (STT; n = 82). Basic somatic characteristics were measured, body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance, cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated using the Rockport Fitness Walking Test and health behaviour was assessed by questionnaire method. Student's t-test for independent samples, the U Mann Whitney test or chi-square test were used in data analysis. Results: RHE students had higher values of percentage muscle mass (p&lt;0.05) and of cardiorespiratory performance (p&lt;0.001), they also declared significantly more frequently (p&lt;0.001) practicing leisure physical activity as compared with the STT group. However, in both groups the symptoms of unhealthy behaviour were observed. Conclusions: Although beneficial effects of augmented physical activity on body composition, cardiorespiratory performance and attitudes towards taking up leisure-time activity was noted, attention should be paid to symptoms of unhealthy behaviour observed in female students. This support the need for including obligatory physical education classes in university curriculum and the importance of education and promotion of healthy behaviour among the students.

Health behaviour, body composition and motor performance in female university students

The aims of this study were 1) to present the health awareness characteristic of the female students, 2) to characterize the differences by groups along the comparison of health behaviour, selected body composition attributes and cardio-respiratory performances variables. The two groups of the sample; one group consisted of students majoring in teacher training, social pedagogy, tourism and catering, the others are majors in recreation, health promotion courses (n=109); were selected from full-time female students at the University of West Hungary. In our research we used questionnaire (for investigate health behaviour and attitude), the Rockport Fitness Walking Test (for the measurement of cardio-respiratory performance in the sub-max zone to estimate relative VO2max) and InBody 720 bioelectrical impedance scanner (for analyzing body composition). For the analysis, descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and Mann Whitney U test were used testing significance at the 95% level of confidence. Differences between the group members’ health behaviour was found in only one examined dimension, namely physical activity. The results of other indicators (the hours of tiredness, state of health, habits of smoking and alcohol consumption) showed identical values. We have find significant difference between the groups in the following variables: frequency of physical activity, the muscle percentage and the cardio-respiratory performance. With the exception of one segment of body composition and the results of physical activity indicators; probably due to differences in physical activity; the groups can be viewed as strongly heterogeneous.

Effect of Wearing the Cosmed K4b2 Metabolic System on 1 Mile Walking Performance in Older Adults

Effect of Wearing the Cosmed K4b2 Metabolic System on 1 Mile Walking Performance in Older Adults This study examined in older adults the effects of wearing the Cosmed K4b2 metabolic system with face mask during the 1-mile Rockport Fitness Walking Test (RFWT). A randomised cross-over design was used (13 males, 12 females, age: 67±4 (yrs). Walking time, walking speed and final heart rate were recorded and predicted VO2max calculated. Participants had a constant walking speed during the RFWT (P = 0.24) not influenced by wearing the Cosmed K4b2. Using Bland-Altman analysis, bias for walking time, heart rate and predicted VO2max was not significant. The predicted VO2max wearing the Cosmed K4b2 was within 0.05±0.36 L·min-1. Wearing the Cosmed K4b2 metabolic system with face mask did not influence 1-mile walking performance in older adults. This observation allows the Cosmed K4b2 metabolic system to be used during walking tests in older adults to examine metabolic and physiologic adaptations by controlled exercise interventions.

Low-Intensity Exercise Exerts Beneficial Effects on Plasma Lipids via PPARγ

An important mechanism by which physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease is through regulating plasma lipids. We investigated whether low-intensity exercise modulates lipid metabolism and the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) responsible for controlling reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Thirty-four sedentary adults, mean age 45.6 +/- 11.1 yr, participated in an 8-wk low-intensity exercise program consisting of walking 10,000 steps, three times a week. Subjects were randomly allocated to either an exercise group or a sedentary control group, and serum lipid or lipoprotein concentrations were determined. Compared with controls, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (preexercise, 5.73 +/- 1.39 mmol x L; postexercise, 5.32 +/- 1.28 mmol x L) and a significant increase in HDL (preexercise, 1.46 +/- 0.47 mmol x L; postexercise, 1.56 +/- 0.50 mmol x L) after the exercise program. There was a significant increase in serum oxidized LDL (oxLDL) concentrations in the exercise group before and after exercise (0 wk, 554 +/- 107 ng x mL; 4 wk, 698 +/- 134 ng x mL; 8 wk, 588 +/- 145 ng x mL). A significant increase in leukocyte mRNA expression for PPARgamma (4 wk, 1.8 +/- 0.9-fold; 8 wk, 4.3 +/- 1.9-fold) was observed, which was reinforced by increased PPARgamma DNA-binding activity postexercise (preexercise, 0.22 +/- 0.09 OD units; postexercise, 1.13 +/- 0.29 OD units). A significant increase in gene expression was observed for the oxLDL scavenger receptor CD36 (4 wk, 3.8 +/- 0.6-fold; 8 wk, 2.7 +/- 0.5-fold) and LXRalpha (8 wk, 3.5 +/- 0.8-fold). Two LXRalpha-regulated genes involved in RCT, namely, ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 and GI (ABCA1 and ABCG1, respectively), were significantly up-regulated postexercise (8 wk: ABCA1, 3.46 +/- 0.56-fold; ABCG1, 3.06 +/- 0.47-fold). We propose that the net effect of these changes may be to increase oxLDL uptake, to stimulate RCT, and thus to promote clearance of proatherogenic lipids from the vasculature, ultimately contributing to the cardiovascular benefits of low-intensity aerobic exercise.

Effects of Aerobic Dance on the Cardiovascular Endurance of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

The purpose was to determine the effects of a 12-week, 3-days/week low-impact aerobic dance program on the cardiovascular endurance (CVE) of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). The experimental group (8 males, 7 females) were adults (M age = 39) receiving employment training at a sheltered workshop. The control group (7 males, 5 females) were adults (M age = 37) affiliated with the same facility but employed offsite. Rockport Fitness Walking Test (RFWT) data were collected five times (pretest, and at 4, 8, 12, and 18 weeks). Repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that the experimental group performed significantly better than the control group on RFWT heart rates on the 8- and 12- week trials and on RFWT walk times at the posttest. Once the 12-week program was over, participants did not exercise. Follow-up measurements at 18 weeks revealed no significant differences between groups.

Test-Retest Reliability of the Rockport Fitness Walking Test and Other Fitness Measures in Women Ages 50–69 Years

Purpose: Fitness measures are needed that are easily and reliably implemented by practitioners in field settings for women's health fitness programs. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the Rockport Fitness Walking Test (RFWT) and other flexibility and strength fitness indicators in women ages 50–69 years. Methods: Thirtyone healthy female volunteers completed the testing (X =55.2 ± 4.9 years). During each of 2 testing sessions scheduled one week apart, subjects completed the standard RFWT protocol, the modified sit-&-reach test, the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test for bench press and leg extension,and the one-minute timed sit-up test. Results: High test-retest reliability was observed for RFWT estimations of VO2max using the gender specific and generalized equations (ICCs [3,1] = 0.97 and 0.96 respectively) and for one-mile walk time (ICC=0.96). High test-retest reliability was found for the modified sit-&-reach (ICC= 0.92), 1-RM bench press (ICC=0.94) and leg extension (ICC=0.91),and one-minute timed sit-up (ICC = 0.93). Conclusion: While easy to administer, the tested measures demonstrated high reproducibility within this population, supporting the field use of one testing session when using these measures pre- and postintervention.

Validity of a modified aerobic fitness test for adults with mental retardation

The purpose of this study was to determine whether further modifications to the Rockport Fitness Walking Test (RFWT) protocol produces similar results to the previously modified protocol (Rintala et al., 1992) used for adults with mental retardation (MR). A second purpose of this study was to evaluate prediction equations developed to estimate aerobic capacity from the 1:5RFWT. In an effort to make the RFWT more efficient for testing adults with MR the one pacer to one walker protocol (1:1RFWT) was further modified to one pacer to five walkers (1:5RFWT). Ten healthy men and 13 women (21.7 +/- 2.6 yr) with MR (IQ = 42-68) performed graded maximal treadmill tests, one 1:1RFWT and two 1:5RFWT. The end times (P = 0.326) and end heart rates (P = 0.457) did not significantly differ between the 1:1RFWT, the first 1:5RFWT, and the second 1:5RFWT. Separate Bland and Altman plots indicated that both end time and end heart rate had good agreement between protocols and also had good repeatability between the two 1:5RFWT. The main predictor variable, end time, from the 1:1RFWT and the 1:5RFWT was highly (and similarly) associated with the measured aerobic capacity (VO2peak), indicating a high predictive value for the 1:5RFWT end time. Bland and Altman plots of predicted and measured VO2peak for the prediction equations of Kline et al. (1987) and Rintala et al. (1987) indicated a general overestimation of measured values. The 1:5RFWT provides similar end times and end heart rates as the 1:1RFWT along with similar associations of end times to measured VO2peak. The 1:5RFWT could be used to predict aerobic capacity; unfortunately, the present prediction equations overpredict VO2peak for adults with MR and need to be revised.

A Modified Version of the Rockport Fitness Walking Test for College Men and Women

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image sizeKey Words: VO2max estimation1-mile track walkcardiorespiratory fitness evaluation

The Validity of a One-Mile Walk Test for High School Age Individuals

The purpose of this study was to validate a one-mile walk (1-MW) test for high school age individuals. Twenty-one students completed the 1-MW on two separate occasions. Forty-four students completed one 1-MW and a modified Balke walking treadmill test to volitional fatigue; the mean (M) of maximal oxygen comsumption (VO2max) = 45.39, standard deviation (SD) = 8.26 mL · kg-1 · min-1. VO2max values were predicted from the 1-MW results using the Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. (1987) Rockport Fitness Walking Test (RFWT) equation (M = 46.91, SD = 6.38 mL · kg-1 · min-1) and the Dolgener, Hensley, Marsh, and Fjelstul equation (1994; M = 39.88, SD = 5.87 mL · kg-1 · min-1). Intraclass stability reliability coefficients were .91 for the Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. equation and .97 for the Dolgener et al. equation. The validity coefficient was r =.84, standard errors of the estimate (SEE) = 4.50, Error = 7.16, and 38.6% of the measured VO2max values fell within ±4.5 mL · kg-1 · min-1 of the estimated VO2max values for the Dolgener et al. equation. Comparable values for the Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. equation were r = .80, SEE = 4.99, Error = 5.17, and % = 65.9. The difference between the measured VO2max and the values estimated from the Dolgener et al. and Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. equations, respectively, were t(43) = -7.91, p < .0001 and t(43) = 2.02, p = .05. Using the FITNESSGRAM® (Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research, 1992) standards and the two estimated VO2max values from Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. (1987), a 100% proportion of agreement was achieved for criterion-referenced reliability. Similarly, a 91% proportion of correct classification decisions with a phi coefficient of .76 was determined for criterion-referenced validity between the measured and RFWT estimated VO2max values. It was concluded that the 1-MW is an acceptable test of cardiorespiratory fitness for high school aged individuals, if VO2max is estimated from the RFWT equation.

Cross validation of the 1-mile walking test for men with mental retardation.

The purpose of this study was to cross validate the equation developed by Rintala et al. (1992) to estimate the cardiorespiratory efficiency of men with mental retardation (MR). Subjects were 19 healthy men (27 +/- 8 yr) with MR (IQ = 58 +/- 12). Following familiarization, a graded maximal treadmill test and two 1-mile walk tests (Rockport Fitness Walking Test, RFWT) were administered. The peak VO2 value was the criterion measure used to cross validate the equation. The equation was: Peak VO2 (ml.kg-1.min-1) = 101.92 - 2.356 (MILE)-0.420 (WEIGHT). The mean differences were 2.04 (MILE1)(P = 0.02) and 2.43 (MILE2)(P = 0.004) ml.kg-1.min-1. A significant positive correlation was found between measured peak VO2 and predicted peak VO2 on both 1-mile walks (r = 0.91 and 0.93). For both predicted peak VO2 values, the Total Error (TE) was greater than standard error of estimate (SEE), indicating a systematic difference between the measured and predicted peak VO2 values. Moreover, only 58% of the measured peak VO2 values fell within the prespecified range. Test-retest reliability of RFWT was R = 0.96. However, the prediction equation underestimated the actual cardiorespiratory levels in 74% and 79% of the subjects, depending on the trial. Because the equation developed in this research underestimates the measured VO2 values for the majority of these subjects, the test is probably not statistically valid, even if reliable, and the prediction formula needs to be revised for this population.

Validation of the Rockport Fitness Walking Test for adults with mental retardation

Validation of the Rockport Fitness Walking Test for adults with mental retardation

88 VALIDATION OF THE ROCKPORT FITNESS WALKING TEST FOR ADULTS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION

This study determined if the generalized equations created for the Rockport Fitness Walking Test were a valid estimation of cardiorespiratory fitness for adults with mental retardation (MR). Subjects included 25 males and females (mean age = 33.3 +/- 7.4 yr) with MR. A maximal treadmill test was administered (mean VO2peak = 29.5 +/- 7.2 ml.kg-1 x min-1; 2.2 +/- 0.62 l.min-1). Subjects' age, weight, sex, walk time, and immediate post-HR were used in the generalized equations for predicting VO2peak (mean VO2peak = 36.5 +/- 7.6 ml.kg-1 x min-1 and 2.7 +/- 0.66 l.min-1). Significant correlations (P < 0.01) were obtained between the measured and predicted peak VO2 levels. However, significant and consistent differences were also observed between the measured and predicted VO2peak values (P < 0.02). Only 28% (l.min-1) and 36% (ml.kg-1 x min-1) of the subjects' measured VO2peak fell within the prespecified value of the predicted VO2peak, thus indicating that the prediction equations overestimated the VO2peak and cardiovascular fitness levels of adults with MR.

Validation of the Rockport Fitness Walking Test in Females 65 Years and Older

(1992). Validation of the Rockport Fitness Walking Test in Females 65 Years and Older. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 63, No. 3, pp. 322-327.

Validity of a cardiorespiratory fitness test for men with mental retardation

The purpose of this study was to validate a field test of cardiorespiratory fitness for men with mental retardation. The subjects were 19 healthy young men (26 +/- 6 yr) with moderate mental retardation (IQ = 48 +/- 11). Each subject underwent a maximal treadmill test after a three-phase familiarization process. Each subject also completed a 1-mile walk test twice (Rockport Fitness Walking Test = RFWT). The correlation coefficients between peak VO2 on the treadmill and the two 1-mile walks varied from 0.78 to 0.83. When weight, height, age, heart rates of 1-mile walks, and their combinations were held constant, the correlations were strengthened. Using multiple correlation analysis the best equation for predicting peak VO2 was: Peak VO2 = 101.92 - 2.356(mile-1 time) - 0.42(weight). This model accounted for 85% of total variance. The standard error of estimate was 4.06 ml.kg-1.min-1. The test-retest reliability of the RFWT for the 19 subjects used in this study was very high (R = 0.97). This finding suggests that the RFWT is a valid and reliable field test for this population and appears to be a valid indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness for these men with mental retardation.