INTRODUCTION TO ASSESSMENT OF
AEROBIC FUNCTION
Gilbert O. Madriaga, PTRP
Department of Physical Therapy
College of Allied Medical Professions
University of the Philippines MANILA
June 2009
Objectives
Define aerobic function.
Explain the importance of assessment of aerobic function.
Identify assessment procedures that may be used to assess
for aerobic function.
Classify these assessment procedures according to the ICF
Discuss how each of the following assessment procedures
can be used to assess for aerobic function.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
6.
Vitals signs
Cardiac and cardiovascular assessment
Pulmonary assessment
Fitness testing
Determine when to perform assessment for aerobic function
Physical fitness and physical activity
 Physical fitness
 the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness,
without undue fatigue and with ample energy to enjoy leisuretime pursuits and meet unforeseen emergencies
 Physical activity
 any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal
muscle that increases energy expenditure above a basal level.
(Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, 2008)
Aerobic function
 Aerobic function
 Ability of the body to utilize oxygen in activities of daily living
(ADL)
Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max)
 measure of the body’s capacity to use oxygen.
 maximum amount of oxygen consumed per minute
when the individual has reached maximum effort.
 mL/kg per minute
 dependent on





transport of oxygen,
oxygen-binding capacity of the blood,
cardiac function,
oxygen extraction capabilities,
muscular oxidative potential.
Myocardial oxygen consumption (mVO2)
 measure of the oxygen consumed by the myocardial
muscle.
 The need or demand for oxygen is determined by the




heart rate (HR),
systemic blood pressure,
myocardial contractility,
afterload
Myocardial oxygen consumption (mVO2)
 The ability to supply the myocardium with oxygen is
dependent on:
 the arterial oxygen content (blood substrate),
 hemoglobin oxygen dissociation,
 coronary blood flow, which is determined by



aortic diastolic pressure
duration of diastole, coronary artery resistance,
collateral circulation
What body systems are responsible for aerobic
function?
Respiratory system
Cardiac and Cardiovascular system
ICF
Health Condition
(disorder/disease)
Body
function&structure
(Impairment)
Activities
(Limitation)
Environmental
Factors
Participation
(Restriction)
Personal
Factors
ICF code
 b455 Exercise tolerance functions
 Functions related to respiratory and cardiovascular capacity as
required for enduring physical exertion.
physical endurance,
 aerobic capacity,
 stamina and
 fatiguability

 b4551 Aerobic capacity
 Functions related to the extent to which a person can exercise
without getting out of breath
ICF code
 b410 Heart functions
 Functions of pumping the blood in adequate or required
amounts and pressure throughout the body.
functions of heart rate,(b4100) rhythm (b4101) and output;
 contraction force of ventricular muscles (b4102);
 functions of heart valves;
 pumping the blood through the pulmonary circuit;
 dynamics of circulation to the heart;
 impairments such as tachycardia, bradycardia and irregular heart
beat and as in heart failure, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis and
coronary insufficiency,

ICF code
 b420 Blood pressure functions
 Functions of maintaining the pressure of blood within the
arteries.
functions of maintenance of blood pressure;
 increased and decreased blood pressure;
 impairments such as in hypotension, hypertension and postural
hypotension

 b440 Respiration functions
 Functions of inhaling air into the lungs, the exchange of gases
between air and blood, and exhaling air.
functions of respiration rate, rhythm and depth;
 impairments such as apnoea, hyperventilation, irregular
respiration, paradoxical respiration and bronchial spasm and as in
pulmonary emphysema.

 b445 Respiratory muscle functions
 Functions of the muscles involved in breathing.
functions of thoracic respiratory muscles;
 functions of the diaphragm;
 functions of accessory respiratory muscles

 b450 Additional respiratory functions
 Additional functions related to breathing, such as coughing,
sneezing and yawning.

functions of blowing, whistling and mouth breathing
 b5500 Body temperature
 Functions involved in regulating the core temperature of the
body.

impairments such as hyperthermia or hypothermia
Assessment of aerobic function
 VS
 Pulmonary Assessment
 Cardiac and Cardiovascular Assessment
 Fitness Testing
Assessment of aerobic function is influenced by:
 age,
 gender,
 heredity,
 inactivity, and
 disease
Psychological issues in exercise testing
MENTAL ENERGY
 Undivided attention and
positive mental attitude
is essential in ensuring
optimum physical
performances
 Effective concentration
will help to maintain
sound technique, while
enabling participants to
conserve energy.
Psychological issues in exercise testing
MOTIVATION
 Exercise testing has a
strong association with
intrinsic motivation.
 Attribution theory

people who score higher than
anticipated on exercise tests
can become more motivated
and more committed, while
those who score lower than
anticipated can become less
motivated and less
committed.
Psychological issues in exercise testing
STRESS and ANXIETY
 Psychological aspects of
physiological assessment
should be understood by
the PT and the
participant as well
 The very thought of
exercise testing can
create anxiety in most
patients