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Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Åstrand-Rhyming Cycle Ergometer Test — Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, October 9, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/astrand-rhyming-cycle-ergometer-test/
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Measures: Estimated VO₂max (from submaximal heart rate)
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Moderate | Category: Aerobic
Protocol
The Åstrand-Rhyming test, developed by Per-Olof Åstrand and Irma Ryhming in 1954, is a submaximal cycle ergometer test. It estimates VO₂max from steady-state heart rate measured during submaximal exercise, eliminating the need for maximal effort. Preparation: The cycle ergometer is set to an appropriate load. An initial resistance of 75–150 W (450–900 kpm/min) is recommended for men, and 50–100 W for women. Saddle height is adjusted so the knee retains approximately 5–10° of flexion when the pedal is at its lowest point. Participants should avoid caffeine and strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test. Test Procedure: The participant pedals at a constant cadence of 50–60 RPM. The first 2 minutes serve as an adaptation period. Heart rate is measured at minutes 5 and 6; the difference should be no more than 5 bpm (indicating steady state). If steady state is not achieved, the load or duration is adjusted. Target heart rate depends on age; for ages 20–29, a range of approximately 140–170 bpm is desired. Total test duration is 6–10 minutes. Calculation: VO₂max is estimated using the Åstrand-Rhyming nomogram, which takes body weight, load (W), and mean steady-state heart rate as inputs. Alternative formula: VO₂max (L/min) = (1.61 × power W + 1.08) / (heart rate − 60). An age correction factor is applied: 1.00 at age 25, 0.83 at age 40, 0.75 at age 50. Post-Test: A 3–5 minute cool-down at low resistance is performed. All parameters are recorded. Results are compared to age- and sex-based normative tables.Formula
VO₂max (L/min) = (1.61 × power_W + 1.08) / (HR - 60); age correction applied
Equipment Required
cycle ergometer, heart rate monitor, stopwatch, blood pressure cuff
Normative Values (Age: 20-29)
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | >3.5 L/min | >2.8 L/min |
| Good | 2.8-3.5 L/min | 2.2-2.8 L/min |
| Average | 2.2-2.8 L/min | 1.7-2.2 L/min |
| Below Average | 1.6-2.2 L/min | 1.2-1.7 L/min |
| Poor | <1.6 L/min | <1.2 L/min |
Practical Applications
Because this test does not require maximal effort, it can be safely used in individuals with cardiac risk, the elderly, and rehabilitation patients. It is an economical and reliable option for VO₂max estimation in clinical and institutional settings.Limitations
Inherent estimation error of submaximal tests is present (±10–15%). Achieving steady-state heart rate may not be possible in all individuals. Reliability decreases for those taking heart rate-altering medications.Related Tests: PWC170 Test, Bruce Treadmill Protocol, Ramp Test
Sources: Åstrand PO & Rhyming I, 1954, J Appl Physiol; ACSM Guidelines, 2021
References
- Astrand PO, Ryhming I. (1954). A nomogram for calculation of aerobic capacity (physical fitness) from pulse rate during submaximal work. Journal of Applied Physiology, 7(2): 218-221. doi:10.1152/jappl.1954.7.2.218
- Legge BJ, Banister EW. (1986). The Astrand-Ryhming nomogram revisited. Journal of Applied Physiology, 61(3): 1203-1209. doi:10.1152/jappl.1986.61.3.1203
- American College of Sports Medicine. (2021). ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (11th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
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Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science.
- 540pp THRESHOLD Book
- MSc Sport Sciences
- Marmara University
Key Facts
Protocol The Åstrand-Rhyming test, developed by Per-Olof Åstrand and Irma Ryhming in 1954, is a submaximal cycle ergometer test. It estimates VO₂max from steady-state heart rate measured during submaximal exercise, eliminating the need for maximal effort. Preparation: The cycle ergometer is set to an appropriate load. An initial resistance of 75–150 W (450–900 kpm/min) is recommended for men, and 50–100 W for women. Saddle height is adjusted so the knee retains approximately 5–10° of flexion when the pedal is at its lowest point. Participants should avoid caffeine and strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test. Test Procedure: The participant pedals at a constant cadence of 50–60 RPM. The first 2 minutes serve as an adaptation period. Heart rate is measured at minutes 5 and 6; the difference should be no more than 5 bpm (indicating steady state). If steady state is not achieved, the load or duration is adjusted. Target heart rate depends on age; for ages 20–29, a range of approximately 140–170 bpm is desired. Total test duration is 6–10 minutes. Calculation: VO₂max is estimated using the Åstrand-Rhyming nomogram, which takes body weight, load (W), and mean steady-state heart rate as inputs. Alternative formula: VO₂max (L/min) = (1.61 × power W + 1.08) / (heart rate − 60). An age correction factor is applied: 1.00 at age 25, 0.83 at age 40, 0.75 at age 50. Post-Test: A 3–5 minute cool-down at low resistance is performed. All parameters are recorded. Results are compared to age- and sex-based normative tables. Formula
VO₂max (L/min) = (1.61 × power_W + 1.08) / (HR - 60); age correction applied
Equipment Required
cycle ergometer, heart rate monitor, stopwatch, blood pressure cuff
