Post-exercise Recovery Period for the Cardiopulmonary System: Review of a related literature, a journal article entitled, “A Practical Test for Predicting Maximum Oxygen Consumption” by Jimmy H. Ishee

Although this research study is not very expressly measuring the post-exercise recovery period of the cardiopulmonary system itself; it is a very relevant measure as it directly relates to VO2 measurements during a physical activity. The post-exercise state means one has to do the activity first, measure the VO2 level during that physical activity and similar variables are used when measuring the changed level when one is already done with the activity. Thus, this journal article is selected by yours truly. Below is the summary.

Quoting a certain part of the article, it states that “according to the American College of Sports Medicine, V[O.sub.2] max tests are costly and time-consuming”. In this regard, it can be assumed that normal individuals may not perfectly measure the V[O.sub.2] ( VO2 for brevity) but this measure can of course be closely estimated or at least predicted. However, there is no harm in trying to experiment in real situation with at least hundred individuals to simulate the reality of it and at the same time lower the cost of this expensive process and at the same time compare it with the predicted VO2 max or base the predicted value from a test or a study. According to the journal article, VO2 measurement tests are usually administered in university laboratories or medical settings, which are not available to the average practitioner. Submaximal prediction tests that have been developed are capable of predicting VO2 max outside a clinical setting with large groups of people. This method is less expensive and in some ways a safer way to measure VO2 max. Since submaximal tests do not require maximum effort, they are more suitable for a wider range of the population.

The main purpose of the research study, as stated in the journal was to develop a submaximal endurance test for college students through various physical activities such as walking, jogging, or running. The authors wanted to eliminate the reliance on heart rate as a measurement for predicting VO2max and provide a test that had a comfortable pace suited for individuals at different fitness levels. There were a hundred and one (101) participants to the study, consisting of 54 males and 47 females. There were 3 exercise tests composed of a two 1.5 mile endurance tests and a maximal GXT, which was given in a laboratory and these tests were completed not on the same day allowing the participants to relax or rest in between. The article emphasized that the 1.5 mile run is on a “somewhat hard” level of activity.

Based on the 1.5-mile data that the study gathered from the activities, two VO2 max regression models were generated by multiple linear regression. It was hypothesized that in order to “assess the concurrent validity of the VO2 max equations, correlation coefficients and standard error of estimates were computed". Various measures and statistical factors were presented in the article and sample computations were given in order to arrive at the conclusion of the study.

According to the journal’s final note, it was concluded by the study that the activity, which was the 1.5-mile endurance test, that the VO2 max from submaximal exercise without measuring the heart rate or requiring an "all out" effort allowing those who participated to do their exercises such as walking, jogging or running to be accommodated, can be predicted. It was concluded that these different levels of fitness activity is a practical way in predicting VO2 max.

Work Cited

Ishee, J. H. (2003). A Practical Test for Predicting Maximum Oxygen Consumption. JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 74(6), 14. Retrieved July 15, 2010, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002550470