Cardiovascular and respiratory system tests

UKK walking test

A walking test created in the Finnish UKK institute measures one’s aerobic endurance. The test is performed by walking a distance of 2km as fast as possible within the limits of one’s physical abilities. The walking test is aimed at people who are passive or are not physically very active. The test is good for nearly all adults between the ages of 20-65 without any painful conditions/injuries restricting walking or a heart rate affecting medication. The UKK walking test provides a reliable test result to obese people as well. The results are expressed as a fitness index and an estimated maximal oxygen intake (VO2max) can be derived from the results. Feedback on the results will be provided to the attendee.

Maximal oxygen intake

Indirect method (ErgoPro)

Indirect bicycle stress test is used to reliably assess the test subject’s maximal oxygen intake. The most important variable of endurance fitness is oxygen intake, which is based on the condition of respiratory and circulatory systems. Endurance is implemented by the body’s ability to transport oxygen and utilize it to create energy for muscle work and to combat fatigue. Maximal oxygen intake is assessed based on the estimated or measured level of maximal load. The indirect method can be excellently used to follow the progression of fitness.

The test is performed by cycling against a gradually increasing load, which is defined by the testee’s current level of fitness.. The bicycle ergmeter follows the electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood pressure and rate of perceived exertion (Borg scale). Based on the results the program will calculate the maximal oxygen intake (VO2max). The testee is given instructions as heart rate thresholds to improve different aspects of cardiovascular fitness. The test is best suitable for athletes and goal-oriented recreational exercisers.

Direct method (Spiroergometria)

The most reliable method to measure the condition of cardiovascular and respiratory system is by measuring maximal oxygen intake with a direct method. The direct method means analysing respiratory gases during physical exercise. Maximal oxygen intake means the respiratory- and cardiovascular systems’ ability to transfer oxygen and the muscles’ ability to utilize it as part of energy production during extreme athletic performance. The most important measure of endurance is oxygen intake, which tells about the condition of respiratory and cardiovascular system.

The direct test is performed on a treadmill or a bicycle ergometer, depending on the testee’s background. The test is done against a gradually increasing speed or load until fatigue prevents the testee from continuing. In addition to respiratory gases, the test also follows heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation during the test. The test event also includes a body composition measurement. On request, blood lactate levels are measured on every level of resistance.

Based on the results a value of maximal oxygen intake (VO2max), aerobic- and anaerobic thresholds are calculated. The testee will be given instructions on how to improve different endurance abilities using the given heart rate thresholds. The direct method is used mainly for endurance athletes.

InBody- body composition measurement

Body composition is measured with the InBody-device. InBody measurement helps track living habits and their effects on health. Both spoken and written feedback is given based on the results.

InBody measurement measures the following information:

- Weight
- Muscle mass
- Muscle balance
- Fat free mass
- Fat mass
- Body fat percentage
- Visceral fat
- Body fluids
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Hip to waist ratio
- Basic metabolic rate

Musculoskeletal fitness test – Goodfit test battery

Musculoskeletal fitness is connected to musculoskeletal systems structure, function and impairing conditions. Musculoskeletal fitness includes muscle strength and endurance, joint mobility, motoric function (balance) and body composition (InBody). These are all connected to back and shoulder health, body alignment and movement control.

In the musculoskeletal fitness test we examine your body composition, static and dynamic balance, muscle and joint mobility, and muscle strength from different parts of the body. The results are compared to the reference values of people from the same age and gender groups, data that is maintained by the Finnish UKK institute. Spoken and written deedback is given based on the results.

Maximal strength test battery

The test battery includes isometric maximal muscle strength measurement from different body parts and maximal jumping height on a jumping platform. The battery isometrically measures the following: leg extension, deadlift, mid-section extension and flexion, bench press and grip strength. Isometric a.k.a. static strength measurement is performed with a regulated joint angle, which keeps the muscle length unchanged. Benefits of isometric strength production are safety, repeatability and easy technique requirements. Different stretching sensors are used as measuring equipment to measure pressure and stretching in the test. The jumping measurement is done from a static jump and from a countermovement jump.

Written and spoken feedback will be given from the test. The test battery is aimed at active recreational exercisers and athletes.

Booking

motiiviatlab [dot] fi

Sami Jukkala, +358 40 635 8510
Pekko Pirhonen, +358 40 725 8826