Abstract
[Purpose] To determine the validity of the multistage incremental chair stand exercise test as an assessment tool for exercise tolerance, and to determine its suitability for different age groups. [Subjects and Methods] Eighty healthy male subjects (aged 19–80 years). Subjects performed the multistage incremental chair stand exercise test, during which the volume of expired gas and blood pressure was measured continuously. We analyzed the relationships of measured maximal VO2 with predicted maximal VO2 and the maximal values obtained using a bicycle ergometer. Each indicator was compared among the age groups. [Results] For subjects aged 30–50 years, measured maximal oxygen uptake and predicted maximal oxygen uptake were strongly positively correlated. No such correlation was observed in subjects aged ≥60 years. For the subjects aged 19–24 years, the maximum metabolic equivalent and all other indicators were significantly high. [Conclusion] The multistage incremental chair stand exercise test is not a suitable substitute for exercise tolerance testing using a bicycle ergometer for individuals aged ≥60 years.
