Aerobic Exercise Test

Cardiovascular endurance is one of several fitness components used to assess overall health and fitness levels. Assessment of cardiovascular endurance requires aerobic activity, which is a continuous movement using the large muscle groups. The activity increases the demand on your heart and lungs to produce blood and oxygen. Aerobic activity tests vary in intensity, design and function.

Function

Aerobic tests assess the ability of your heart and lungs to provide an increased supply of blood and oxygen to your body to sustain elevated intensity levels. Measurements, such as heart rate, oxygen output and blood pressure, are used to assess heart and lung capacity. In the medical setting, testing helps diagnose potential problems. Testing in the fitness setting helps with initial assessment, program design, goal setting and evaluation of progression.

Maximal Aerobic Tests

Maximum aerobic tests measure your heart's response to stress, have a risk of medical complications and must be administered under medical supervision. Assessment is made by direct measurement of oxygen consumption as when the subject walks on a treadmill. While the intensity level is progressively increased, expired air is collected, measured and analyzed. Additional measurements, such as heart rate and blood pressure, are used to determine the heart rate's response to higher intensity levels. This test is only recommended for fit individuals due to its high risk. While testing is costly and time consuming, it is the best indicator of cardiovascular endurance, according to Sport Fitness Advisor.

Submaximal Aerobic Tests

Submaximal aerobic tests are an indirect measurement of aerobic capacity. Estimations of maximum levels of work capacity and oxygen consumption are determined through heart rate measurements that are taken while exercising at a sub-maximal workload. These tests are lower in risk and can be administered to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Examples include bicycle ergometer tests, fitness walking tests, step tests and treadmill tests. Specific protocol must be followed for the tests to be considered valid. Tests are primarily used to establish a baseline fitness level prior to the start of an exercise program. Follow-up tests are used to assess progress.

Additional Aerobic Tests

Aerobic tests can be used as part of a total fitness battery when evaluating candidates for programs such as military, law enforcement, or sports-related organizations. Some tests measure the length of time needed to complete a designated distance, such as a one-mile run. Other tests measure the distance completed during a designated time frame, such as a 12-minute walk/run assessment.