title: Evaluation of a treadmill test for predicting the aerobic capacity of firefighters.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As part of a comprehensive occupational medical program for fire departments in the USA, the National Fire Protection Association and The Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative endorse a standardized submaximal test that uses the Gerkin treadmill protocol for predicting the maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) of firefighters.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To test the validity of the Gerkin treadmill protocol in healthy men and women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four healthy men and women (age range 19-58 years) performed the Gerkin test and a treadmill run test to maximal exhaustion. Their heart rates were monitored continuously with an electrocardiogram during each test. During the VO(2max) test, the subjects' VO(2) was measured continuously using indirect calorimetry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although the predicted and observed VO(2max) values correlated (r = 0.70, P < 0.001 and standard error of estimate = 5.98 ml/kg/min), the mean values differed (49.8 +/- 8.3 and 41.8 +/- 5.8 ml/kg/min, respectively) (P < 0.001). The VO(2max) value was overestimated in 50 (93%) participants. The overestimation was >25% in 18 (33%) participants. Gender, age and VO(2max) did not affect the Gerkin protocol's predictability of VO(2max).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Gerkin treadmill protocol overpredicts VO(2max) in healthy men and women and, therefore, should not be used for predicting VO(2max) in individual firefighters, particularly if VO(2max) is a criterion for inclusion or exclusion from duty. At this time, a valid treadmill running test is needed for predicting the VO(2max) value of individual firefighters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores 33161-6695, USA. cmier@mail.barry.edu
authors.forename: Constance M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Mier
authors.forename: Ann L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000332:Aerobiosis / Q000502:physiology; D000367:Age Factors; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D009790:Occupations; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests