Estimation of Energy Expenditure in Healthy Adults From the YMCA Submaximal Cycle Ergometer Test

Abstract

There is a lack of simple field methods for obtaining accurate and reliable information on energy expenditure (EE) during physical activity. This study aims to investigate the validity of the YMCA Submaximal Cycle Ergometer Test to predict EE at submaximal intensities. Twenty-eight participants of each sex volunteered for the study and performed a maximal oxygen uptake (V O₂max) incremental test, a submaximal exercise test (three 5-min loads at 40%, 55%, and 70% V O₂max) and the YMCA Test that provides an extrapolation based on heart rate (HR) to predict V O₂ (YMCA V O₂—HR). Results indicate that predicted V O₂max from the YMCA Test was significantly different from the gold standard. However, predicted V O₂ at different relative submaximal intensities did not significantly differ from directly measured V O₂. In conclusion, the HR method using the YMCA V O₂—HR relationship appears to be effective in predicting EE at submaximal intensities but not at maximum efforts.