by Kathryn Sill, Public Relations Writer
A group of senior exercise science majors at Cedarville University is taking a unique approach to testing a person’s fitness level by utilizing a new mathematical equation involving rowing machines.
The students are using VO2 max, a measurement of someone’s fitness level based on his or her oxygen uptake ability. Typically, VO2 max is tested using a longstanding mathematical equation in conjunction with exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.
Garrett Baker from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts; Bo Folger from Hinckley, Ohio; and Sarah Simpson from Granger, Indiana, are pursuing a different approach to VO2 max testing by taking a recent mathematical equation developed by physiologists at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., and testing its validity via exercise on a rowing machine.
Their hope is that they’ll be able to tell if using a rowing machine is as effective for measuring VO2 max as a treadmill is.
For the test, 20 students will run on a treadmill and row on a rowing machine while their peak heart rate is monitored to determine its correlation to VO2 max.
After completing both tests on each piece of equipment, the fitness level results are compared to see if the rowing machine is as indicative of someone’s fitness level as a treadmill is.
“The goal of this study is that these students would be able to gather information for the fitness industry by validating this new equation regarding rowing machines,” said April Crommett, Ph.D., associate professor of exercise science.
The students will present their research in a formal presentation on December 2 at 3 p.m. in room 209 of the Callan Athletic Center.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings.
The students are using VO2 max, a measurement of someone’s fitness level based on his or her oxygen uptake ability. Typically, VO2 max is tested using a longstanding mathematical equation in conjunction with exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.
Garrett Baker from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts; Bo Folger from Hinckley, Ohio; and Sarah Simpson from Granger, Indiana, are pursuing a different approach to VO2 max testing by taking a recent mathematical equation developed by physiologists at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., and testing its validity via exercise on a rowing machine.
Their hope is that they’ll be able to tell if using a rowing machine is as effective for measuring VO2 max as a treadmill is.
For the test, 20 students will run on a treadmill and row on a rowing machine while their peak heart rate is monitored to determine its correlation to VO2 max.
After completing both tests on each piece of equipment, the fitness level results are compared to see if the rowing machine is as indicative of someone’s fitness level as a treadmill is.
“The goal of this study is that these students would be able to gather information for the fitness industry by validating this new equation regarding rowing machines,” said April Crommett, Ph.D., associate professor of exercise science.
The students will present their research in a formal presentation on December 2 at 3 p.m. in room 209 of the Callan Athletic Center.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,711 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings.