Longitudinal Evaluation of Aerobic Capacity Determined by TorqueAuto-Controlled System with the Feedback of Photoelectric Pulse

Abstract

We have previously developed a unique and simple procedure for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate whether an aerobic index determined by torque auto-controlled system with the feedback of photoelectric pulse could sufficiently approximate the cardiorespiratory fitness reprenented by anaerobic threshold (AT) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). Analysis of the cross-sectional data indicated that the aerobic score (AS : K (WR/Wt)/HR ; where WR=mean work rate during 12-min cycling, Wt=weight, and HR=mean heart rate during 12-min cycing) determined by the torque auto-controlled system was significantly correlated with directly measured VO₂@AT (r=0.922, 76males ; r=0.814, 34 females). Cross-validity of the predicted VO₂max from the AS was significant and sufficiently high (r=0.949, 3lmales) for use in the general public. In addition, the effects of cycling or jogging training on the AS were longitudinally investigated on 17 females and I male. Major effects of the training were significant improvements in the AS, VO₂max, and VO₂@AT. Delta percentage change [(post-value---pre-value)/pre-value ; △%] in the AS was closely associated (r=0.718, 8 females) with △% in VO₂@AT. It appears likely from the present investigation that information obtained through the use of our unique system (i.e.; the AS) could provide considerably reliable estimate of cardiorespiratory fitness in both males and females.