Comparative Analysis of Maximum Oxygen Consumption: A Verifiability of the Ergoespirometric Test Performed in the New Cycle® Ladder Simulator.

Maximum oxygen consumption is used to assess functional capacity. Ergospirometry is performed on a motorized treadmill or an ergometric bicycle. There are currently no protocols with the Stair Climber Simulator in the literature, exposing a scientific gap related to the use of this ergometer. This study verified if a maximal test performed on a Stair Climber Simulator can be considered reliable when compared to the treadmill test with the Bruce Protocol. Data collection was carried out through acute evaluations on the treadmill and the Stair Climber Simulator, using an Inbrasport® treadmill and a New Cicle® SE01 Ladder Simulator. For the analysis of expired gases, a VO2000 gas analyzer from MedGraphics® controlled by Ergomet® software along with a HW model electrocardiogram were used. The subjects had an average age of 25.25 ± 5.26, weight of 72.41 ± 12.16, height of 171.38 ± 8.05, and BMI of 24.59 ± 3.32. The maximum oxygen consumption presented on the treadmill was 42.63 ± 11.29 mL·kg^-1·min^-1 and on the Stair Climber Simulator 42.59 ± 12.74 mL·kg^-1·min^-1, showing no significant difference. The data in both tests indicate that the Stair Climber Simulator is efficient for assessing aerobic power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]