Nautilus Quinton Owner's Manual page 28

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Nautilus Sub-maximal Fit Test
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The Nautilus Fit Test is a program that estimates maximal aerobic capacity based on heart-rate response to
sub-maximal exercise.
The Nautilus ® branching protocol is a series of 3-minute stages of continuous exercise at increasing intensity.
The fi rst stage is a warm-up at approximately 4 METs. The intensity of the remaining stages is based on the
heart rate response to the warm-up. The test is designed to raise the steady state heart rate of the subject to
at least 115 beats/minute. It is important to remember that two consecutive heart rate measurements must be
obtained above 115 beats/minute to predict VO
terminate if the heart rate does not continue to rise from state to stage.
In the Nautilus ® protocol, each work rate is performed for 3 minutes, with heart rates recorded during the fi nal 4
seconds of the second and third minutes of each stage. If the heart rates are within 5 beats/min, then the heart
rate during the last minute is plotted against the work rate, and the program advances to the next 3-minute
stage. The program continues for two to four stages until two steady state heart rates above 115 beats/min are
obtained in two consecutive stages. The line generated from the plotted points is then extended to the age-
predicted maximal heart rate. A corresponding maximal work rate and VO2max can then be calculated.
At the end of the 3rd minute of each stage, if the heart rates at the end of the 2nd and 3rd minute are not within 5
beats/min of each other, then that work rate is maintained for an additional minute. At the end of the 4th minute,
the heart rate is compared to the heart rate at the end of the 3rd minute. If the heart rates are within 5 beats/
min, then the heart rate during the 4th minute is plotted against the work rate. If the heart rate at the end of the
3rd and 4th minute are not within 5 beats/min, then the work rate is maintained for one more additional minute.
If the heart rate at the end of the 4th and 5th minutes are within 5 beats/min, then the heart rate at the end of the
5th minute is plotted against the work rate. If the heart rate at the end of the 4th and 5th minutes are not within
5 beats/min, then the test failed.
Once two consecutive heart rate measurements are obtained above 115 beats/min range, then the test ends
successfully and the results are displayed. Estimated maximum aerobic capacity is shown in ml/kg/min and
METs. Next, the results are compared to normative values for others of the same age range and gender.
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C H A N G I N G T H E G A M E I N H E A LT H A N D F I T N E S S
MORE WORKOUTS: FIT TEST PROGRAM
. The test typically lasts from 6 to 15 minutes. The test will
2 max
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