1. YMCA Bike Ergometer (156-158)
Ms. Kathryn Meyers

2. What is the YMCA bike ergometer?
Test of Cardiovascular function
Submaximal test that uses the linear relationship between HR and work
Oxygen uptake directly linked to work
Extrapolates max oxygen consumption (VO2 max)

3. YMCA Branching Cycle Ergometer Test
The linear relationship between HR and work only exists between certain heart rates
Usually between
HR response between two workloads produces a predicted HR max
these values must be within the linear portion of this relationship
The YMCA cycle test guides and ensure that the two plotted points are within the proper portion in the Branching Workloads Chart
Benefits of this test
Wide range of clients with varying fitness levels can complete this test.

4. Branching according to workload
HR response to given workload must reflect body’s adaptation to that load
Adjusted body – steady state HR
A difference of more than 5 bpm, between 2nd and 3rd minute of exercises indicates the client has not reached “steady state”
Subject should continue another minute if that happens

5. Test Directions Adjust seat to hip height Adjust handlebars
Client starts at easy load .5kp
Work at 50rpm
Heart rate taken at the end of each minute with HR monitor
The HR at the end of 3 (or more) minutes indicates subsequent workload
All clients will go through 3 stages (4th stage if HR is still lower than 150)
Final HR response for stages 2 and 3 (or 3 and 4 if client added an extra stage) will be plotted on the graph (p158)
Record HRs on worksheet provided

6. Completing Graph and Lab 157-158
Mark predicted max HR with a horizontal line
Draw a line through the two plotted points and extend it to HR max line
Draw a perpendicular line to the x axis from the point where this line intersect the predicted HR max
From this line a max oxygen uptake can be read along the x axis
Convert this value in liters per minute to ml/kg/min by dividing by body weight in kg and multiplying by 1000
1kg = 2.2 lbs

7. Last steps Complete questions on page 157
Turn in graph and questions tomorrow

8. VO2 Max Standards