Measures
Cardiorespiratory fitness. Estimated maximal oxygen
uptake (VO2max) was obtained using the A ° strand–Rhyming
cycle ergometer test according to suggested guidelines.13,14
The test was conducted on a Monark bike ergometer, model
839E (Monark Exercise, Vansbro, Sweden), and a heart rate
monitor (Polar Electro Inc., Lake Success, NY) was used to
record the heart rate response. After 2 minutes of warm-up,
the cycle ergometer resistance was selected at 50–75W and
the pedal rate was set at 50–60 revolutions per minute so
participants would reach a steady-state equivalent to 85% of
their age-predicted heart rate max (i.e., 220 - age in years).
The test was terminated when the difference in the heart rate
between minutes 5 and 6 of exercise was 5 beats or less. The
measured heart rate was used to estimate VO2max, with a
correction factor for age.