Define Tests of Cardiovascular Endurance?
Cardiovascular endurance or aerobic fitness is the ability to exercise continuously for extended periods without tiring. It can be measured either at maximal and sub maximal levels. The direct measurement of aerobic capacity is done using either treadmill or bicycle ergo meter. The testing can also be done at sub maximal level, which means that the individual does not exercise till the maximal level of exhaustion and the results at below exhaustion are used to predict maximal volume of oxygen consumed (discussed in the work capacity section). It includes a strand Bicycle Ergoineter test, PWC170 test and tri-level aerobic test. We would get to know about these in details consequently.
There are other series of step tests which are based on the assumption that the person having a better aerobic capacity will have lesser increase in the resting pulse rate after step exercise of a specified period of time. These step tests include Harvard Step Test, Queens College Step Test, and Chester Step Test. These are field methods and can be easily administered at a reasonable cost. While there is a simple step test, that can be done at home, these include certain walking tests such as Rockport Walk Test and 2 km Walk Test.