Cardiorespiratory Assessments and Programming

Definition of Cardiorespiratory Fitness

the ability of the circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen to the muscles to perform dynamic physical activity

VO2Max Definition

Highest VO2 achieved during a graded exercise test or during maximal cardiorespiratory exercise

• highest volume of o2 body can consume

• Important measure of CRF, endurance performance, and overall health

Fick Equation

VO2max= cardiac output (HRmax-SVmax) x a-VO2 difference max

Responses and adaptations of HR

increases linearly with workload and VO2 until HRmax is reached

RHR decreases with aerobic training

HRmax only decreases with age

Responses and Adaptations of Stroke Volume

Increases with workload until approx. 40% to 60% of VO2max

SV increases as an adaptation to cardiorespiratory exercise training

Responses and Adaptations of Cardiac Output

Increases linearly with increased intensity up to Vo2max

• measured in L/min

• resting CO is unchanged with training

• maximal Co is increased with training

Responses and Adaptations of A-Vo2 difference

increases with workload and as adaptation to training

Responses and Adaptations of Pulmonary Ventilation

Definition: the volume of air inhaled and exhaled per minute

increases linearly with workload up to 50%-80% of VO2max followed by exponential increase (ventilatory threshold)

Responses and Adaptations of BP

Systolic: Increases linearly with increased workload

Diastolic: remains relatively stable or decreases slightly with increased workload

Blood Pressure= cardiac output x total peripheral resistance

Procedures for measuring BP

should be assessed before, during, and after exercise

Pre-Exercise: assessed in seated and exercise positions

During Exercise: HR assessed twice during each stage; BP once near the end of each stage

Post- Exercise: assessed for a minimum of 5 minutes of recovery or until each becomes stable

Rate Pressure Product: assessment of overall myocardial oxygen demand of exercise. RPP = HR x SBP

Purpose of Fitness Assessments

• provides baseline data to educate clients about their health and fitness status

• provides important info for designing exercise programs and monitoring progress

• motivates clients by establishing reasonable & attainable health and fitness goals

• can be performed for diagnosis of cardiorespiratory diseases and to monitor altered responses to exercise

Pretest instructions and procedures

• provide the client with instructions for caffeine, food and medication intake, hydration, tobacco use, previous exercise, and clothing

• complete preparticipation screening and informed consent

• ensure all necessary documents are available for test administration

• appropriate room temp (68 to 72 degrees F & humidity less than 60% w/ adequate airflow

• inspect and calibrate all equipment

• be familiar with emergency response plan

Recommended order for testing

Resting Measurements obtained BEFORE testing (HR, BP, body comp)

Aerobic assessments before muscular fitness and flexibility

Know various strategies to monitor exercise intensity

watch for adverse responses and reasons to stop

Adverse Responses and signs to stop

• onset of angina or like symptoms

• drop in SBP of > 10mmhg with increase in work rate or if drops below value obtained before

• excessive rise in BP: SBP > 250 mmhg and/or DBP >115mm hg

• shortness of breath, wheezing, leg cramps, or claudication

• signs of poor perfusion: lightheadedness, confusion, ataxia, pallor, cyanosis, nausea, cold or clammy skin

• failure of HR to increase with exercise intensity

• noticable change in heart rhythm by palpitation

• request to stop

Factors that Affect HR

temperature, caffeine, anxiety, nicotine, previous exercise or other assessments

Criterion vs. Normative Standards to classify fitness levels

Criterion-referenced: classify individuals into groups based on specific criteria (excellent, avg, needs improv)

Normative Standards: classify individuals based on percentiles from data collected within a specific population