Astrand 6-minute Cycle Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider the factors influencing the results.

Astrand P.O. devised the Astrand 6-minute Cycle Test in 1956.

Objective

The objective of this test is to monitor the athlete's VO₂ max.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

Cycle ergometer
Heart rate monitor
Weighing Scales
Stopwatch
Assistant

How to conduct the test

The assistant weighs and records the athlete's weight
The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
The assistant sets the initial cycle work rate kg-m/min (kilogram-force meter/minute) as follows:

Male under 35 – 125
Male 35-55 – 115
Male over 55 – 85
Female under 35 – 115
Female 35-55 – 85
Female over 55 – 60

1 watt is equal to 3600 J/hr, or 6.1183 kg-m/min

This setting should raise the athlete's heart rate to 130-160bpm after 2 minutes of cycling at 60rpm
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
The athlete pedals at 60rpm for 6 minutes whilst maintaining their heart rate between 130-160bpm
The assistant records the athlete's heart rate each minute
After 2 minutes - if the athlete's heart rate is not in the target range of 130-160bpm, then the assistant adjusts the work rate wattage accordingly
The assistant stops the test after 6 minutes and records the final work rate wattage

Assessment

I have been unable to locate any normative data for this test.

The following calculator utilises a series of polynomial equations based on the Astrand-Rhyming Nomogram (Astrand 1954)^[1]

For the calculator, the work rate range is: Male 450-900 & Female 300-750 kg-m/min and the pulse rate range is: 130-160 bpm.

To obtain an estimate of your VO₂ (L) and VO₂ max (ml/kg/min), please enter your, gender, weight, pulse rate and work rate (kg-m/min) and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender		Weight
Pulse Rate bpm		Work Rate kg-m/min

Estimated VO_{2 L}		Estimated VO₂ max ml/kg/min

If the estimated values are 0.00, then the values you entered are outside the specified ranges, and you will need to use the Astrand-Rhyming Nomogram (PDF copy) to obtain your estimates.

Astrand Graph

For an analysis of your VO₂ max score, see the VO₂ max page.

Analysis

The test result is analysed by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's VO2 max with appropriate training between each test.

Target Group

This test is suitable for endurance athletes and players of endurance sports (e.g. football, rugby) but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to a consistent and stable test measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and therefore, the test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development. There are published VO₂ max tables, and the correlation to the actual VO₂ max is high. For assessing your VO₂ max, see the VO₂ max normative data tables.

Advantages

Minimal equipment required
Simple to set up and conduct

Disadvantages

Specialist equipment required
Assistant required to administer the test

References

ASTRAND, P.O. and RYHMING, I. (1954) A nomogram for calculation of aerobic capacity (physical fitness) from pulse rate during submaximal work. J Appl Physiol, 7, p. 218-221.

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2007) Astrand 6-minute Cycle Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/cycle6min.htm [Accessed