Evaluating the reproducibility and validity of the Aerobic Adaptation Test

Purpose: To examine the reproducibility and validity of a new submaximal, r amped cycle ergometer testing methodology known as the Aerobic Adaptation T est (AAT), which attempts to detect changes in submaximal work capacity and minimize participant discomfort. Methods: 36 sedentary men (mean age = 48. 1 +/- 10.2 yr [SD]) and 22 sedentary women (mean age = 51.9 +/- 10.2 yr [SD ]) participated in the study. To test reproducibility, participants were te sted twice with an average of 20 d between tests (+/-15 d). To test validit y, participants were tested before and after a 6-month physical activity in tervention, and outcomes were compared with standard measures of fitness (e xercise time and oxygen consumption at 70% max heart rate). The main outcom e variable of the AAT was work output (W) over a period of 3 min after reac hing 70% maximal heart rate. Results: The average work output at 70% HRmax was highly reproducible, with a test-retest reliability of rho = 0.85 (P < 0.001). Average work output at 70% HRmax significantly increased after 6 mo nths of physical activity intervention (87.8 +/- 32.9 W vs 95.5 +/- 37.9 W, P = 0.002), and changes in average work output at 70% HRmax correlated wit h changes in exercise time to elicit 70% HRmax (r = 0.87, P < 0.001) as wel l as changes in (V) over dotO(2) at 70% HRmax (r = 0.75, P < 0.001). Thus, the AAT appears to be a valid measure of submaximal work capacity. Conclusi ons: The AAT is a reproducible and valid measure of submaximal work capacit y that can serve as an effective means to evaluate physical activity interv entions.