目的:探討老年人三分鐘登階測驗和最大攝氧量的關係。方法:35名60歲以上認知功能正常且無肢體行動障礙的老年人,以平衡次序完成兩次20公分和兩次25公分不同高度的三分鐘登階測驗(登階頻率20次/分),最後進行最大攝氧量測驗。以Pearson積差相關檢定三分鐘登階測驗之依變項與最大攝氧量的效度。結果:全體最大攝氧量27.3±4.9 ml/kg/min。最大攝氧量與20公分和25公分登階運動心跳率達顯著正相關(p<.05),25公分登階之攝氧峰值與最大攝氧量達顯著正相關(r=0.55, p<.05),但最大攝氧量與體能指數未達顯著相關(r=-0.18, p>.05)。結論:60歲以上老年人以登階頻率20次/分配合20公分或25公分高度進行三分鐘登階測驗,運動後恢復期心跳率與體能指數不適合用於評估心肺適能,但此二登階高度的運動心跳率可能成為評估老年人心肺適能的新方法之一。
Purpose: The aim of this study was to preliminarily investigate the relationships between 3-min step test (3MST) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) in older adults. Methods: Thirty-five healthy older participants over 60 years old, who have no disability and cognitive barriers, were completed this counterbalanced experimental design. Participants underwent twice tests in the two stepping heights (20 cm and 25 cm) with a stepping cadence (20 ascent/min) followed by a VO_2max test on a treadmill. Relationships between outcome variables of 3MST and VO_2max were examined by Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The VO_2max was 27.3 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min in all participants. There was a significantly positive correlation coefficient between VO_2max and HR during 20 cm and 25 cm step test (p < .05). There was also a significantly positive correlation coefficient between VO_2max and peak oxygen uptake of 25 cm step test (r = 0.55, p < .05), but no significantly correlation coefficient was observed between VO_2max and fitness index (r = -0.18, p > .05). Conclusion: Fitness index and HR recovery followed the 3MST in steeping height (20 cm and 25 cm) at same pace of 20 times/min were not suggested to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness in over 60 years older adults. However, the HR measurement during the both these stepping heights could become one of a number of novel manner to evaluate the cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults.