Submaximal alternatives to the Harvard pack index as guides to maximal oxygen uptake (physical fitness)

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Abstract
Four exercise tests were examined as guides to maximal O2 uptake measured directly using as subjects 101 volunteer mine rescue brigadesmen. Indices were compared as follows: maximal O2 uptake per kg body mass during running on treadmill (.ovrhdot.nO2 max kg-1); Harvard pack index (HPI); cardiac frequency in the 6th min of treadmill walking (speed 5 [km/h], incline 7.5.degree.); cardiac frequency in the 6th min of stepping exercise (box height 32 cm, frequency 20/min; and workload per kg body mass associated with cardiac frequency of 150/min during progressive cycle test (2 min each at 100, 125 and 150 W). The scores for the latter 3 tests were intercorrelated (r = 0.72-0.80) and each could be used to predict HPI (coefficient of variation .simeq. 10%). None of the tests were reliable predictors of .ovrhdot.nO2 max kg-1. There is a need for an alternative approach.