Compared with maximal exercise testing, submaximal exercise testing appears to have greater applicability to physical therapists in their role as clinical exercise specialists. This review contrasts maximal and submaximal exercise testing. Two major categories of submaximal tests (ie, predictive and performance tests) and their relative merits are described. Predictive tests are submaximal tests that are used to predict maximal aerobic capacity. Performance tests involve measuring the responses to standardized physical activities that are typically encountered in everyday life. To maximize the validity and reliability of data obtained from submaximal tests, physical therapists are cautioned to apply the tests selectively based on their indications; to adhere to methods, including the requisite number of practice sessions; and to use measurements such as heart rate, blood pressure, exertion, and pain to evaluate test performance and to safely monitor patients.

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Submaximal Exercise Testing: Clinical Application and Interpretation

The "Hawthorne effect" is often mentioned as a possible explanation for positive results in intervention studies. It is used to cover many phenomena, not only unwitting confounding of variables under study by the study itself, but also behavioral change due to an awareness of being observed, active compliance with the supposed wishes of researchers because of special attention received, or positive response to the stimulus being introduced. At times, the term seems to be used as a social equivalent to "placebo effect". In social research, there is much critical literature indicating that, in general, the term "Hawthorne effect" should be avoided. Instead of referring to the ambiguous and disputable Hawthorne effect when evaluating intervention effectiveness, researchers should introduce specific psychological and social variables that may have affected the outcome under study but were not monitored during the project, along with the possible effect on the observed results.

The Hawthorne effect : what did the original Hawthorne studies actually show?

Worksite physical activity interventions

In brief: The validity of 13 commercially available heart rate (HR) monitors was assessed by comparing the monitored values with simultaneous ECG readings. Stability, as well as validity, was measured using several ergometric devices, and functionality was evaluated by analyzing the practical aspects of each device. Results indicate excellent correlations between readings obtained by ECG and HR monitors using conventional chest electrodes to measure electrical activity of the heart. Most of the monitors using other types of electrodes or using an earlobe photocell to measure opacity of blood flow were inadequate. The authors point out functional differences in the monitors to help potential users choose the best one to fit their needs.

Heart Rate Monitors: Validity, Stability, and Functionality

This paper systematically reviews the literature on the effectiveness of physical activity programs at worksites with respect to work-related outcomes. A computerized literature search, a reference search, and a manual search of personal databases were performed using the following inclusion criteria: randomized controlled or controlled trial, working population, worksite intervention program to promote physical activity or physical fitness, and work-related outcomes. The study quality was evaluated using nine methodological criteria. Conclusions were based on a 5-level rating system of evidence. Eight studies (4 randomized controlled trials and 4 controlled trials) were identified, but their methodological quality was generally poor. The outcomes were absenteeism, job satisfaction, job stress, productivity, and employee turnover. The evidence of an effect was limited for absenteeism, inconclusive for job satisfaction, job stress and employee turnover, and nil for productivity. The scientific evidence on the effectiveness of physical activity programs at worksites is still limited. Because of the few high-quality randomized controlled trials, it is strongly suggested that this type of study be carried out. Future randomized controlled trials should pay special attention to the description of randomization, inclusion criteria, compliance, and analyses according to intention to treat.

Effectiveness of physical activity programs at worksites with respect to work-related outcomes

The effects of an employee fitness program upon absenteeism and productivity were investigated in a controlled trial involving two large offices. During the six-month experimental program, the test company developed substantial gains of fitness. However self-reports and supervisor evaluations showed small and relatively similar gains of productivity, with reduction of absenteeism at both test and control companies. Further studies on a large scale are warranted. The presently observed changes probably reflect (1) sample attenuation, (2) seasonal trends, and (3) a "Hawthorne" effect. If the last factor is substantiated, employee fitness programs may be of economic interest, despite the nonspecific nature of the resultant gains in productivity. Language: en

Fitness program participation: its effect on worker performance.

Factors affecting the accuracy of Canadian Home Fitness Test scores have been evaluated in male and female office workers. At a first attempt, the typical subject underestimates his 10 sec post-exercise pulse count by 1 beat, with a superimposed probable error of 2 beats. However, the modest experience of pulse counting gained in an employee fitness programme corrects the systematic error, while the probable random error is reduced to approximately 8 beats/min. Taking account also of variations in the fficiency of stepping, the probable error of an Astrand prediction of V O2(max) is approximately 10.3%. Comparison with directly measured values in a subsample of 22 men shows an actual random discrepancy of 9.5%, plus a systematic error of approximately 19% due to an increase of heart rate with anticipation of the maximum test. The Jette prediction formula has a random discrepancy of approximately 8%, plus a systematic error of approximately 10.6%. Assuming the latter can be corrected by evaluation of a larger population, the fitness scores should give most people an indication of both their initial fitness and responses to a training regimen.

Shephard Rj

Papers

Fitness program participation: its effect on worker performance.

Some factors affecting accuracy of Canadian Home Fitness Test scores.