ORCID

0009-0009-0356-9749

Keywords

Air-braked Ergometer, Maximal oxygen uptake, Graded exercise test, Test-retest reliability, Supramaximal verification trial, Whole-body ergometry

Abstract

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) is widely recognized as the preeminent measure of aerobic capacity and is typically assessed using graded exercise testing (GXT). This study examined the test–retest reliability of VO₂peak and associated physiological responses during a staged GXT performed on a combined upper- and lower-body air-braked ergometer. Fifteen recreationally active adults (9 males, 6 females; age: 26.9 ± 7.2 years; body mass: 75.1 ± 11.0 kg) completed one familiarization session and two trials separated by ≥72 hours. Participants performed a staged GXT (40 RPM start, +3 RPM every 3 min to exhaustion) on a combined upper- and lower-body air-braked ergometer (Rogue Echo Bike V3.0) with breath-by-breath gas analysis, followed by a verification bout at 105% peak RPM. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC₉₅), Bland–Altman analyses, and paired t-tests. Relative VO₂peak demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.909; CV = 7.86%; SEM = 2.41mL/kg/min; MDC₉₅ = 6.69 mL/kg/min), as did absolute VO₂peak (ICC = 0.938; CV = 8.57%) and peak power output (ICC = 0.966; CV = 7.87%). No significant differences were observed between trials for relative (p = 0.078) or absolute VO₂peak (p = 0.075) or secondary variables (p > 0.05). RPE and peak ventilation showed good reliability, peak heart rate demonstrated good reliability following removal of implausible sensor dropout values, and RER was poorly reliable. The VO₂peak verification criterion was achieved in 73.3% of Trial 1 observations, 53.3% of Trial 2 observations, and 63.3% of all sessions combined. These findings indicate that the evaluated combined upper- and lower-body air-braked ergometer provides a reliable measure of VO₂peak in recreationally active adults, though select secondary criteria should be interpreted with caution.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Fukuda, David

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science

Format

PDF

Document Type

Thesis

Identifier

DP0053248

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.