Aerobic
This group of tests are related to Aerobic Capacity. The Physiological basis for these tests of aerobic capacity
are the facts that;
1. Oxygen uptake (utilisation) is considered linearly related to heart rate at a steady state in
activities involving the use of a large muscle mass, for example, running, swimming, cycling,
rowing and skiing.
2. The greater the cardio-respiratory endurance possessed by a person then the lower is his/her
heart rate at a given submaximal work rate. Thus low heart rates at a set amount of work on
a bike or treadmill etc, will be associated with high values for VO2max or maximal aerobic
power, when expressed relative to body mass (ml/Kg/min).
It is also a well documented phenomenon that individuals with high aerobic fitness recover
more quickly from exercise. This is the basis of the Harvard Step Test, for example.