How to Conduct the Ellestad Test of Aerobic Fitness
The Ellestad test is the basic test for determining a person's aerobic fitness. Different modes of testing can be used, such as a cycle ergometer and step, but the most common way is to use a treadmill. Your subject will walk on the treadmill for about 10 minutes with electrodes attached to his skin so an electrocardiogram can monitor heart rate and blood pressure while you are conducting the test.
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Instructions
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Determine the subjects resting blood pressure and heart rate. Sticky electrodes are then attached to his chest, shoulder and hips. The data from the electrodes will be recorded on a 12 lead electrocardiogram, or EKG.
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After a brief warmup on the treadmill the subject will perform three stages of exercise on the treadmill each lasting three minutes. As the test proceeds through stages 1,2 and 3 you will increase the speed and the incline.
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Have the subject continue to walk on the treadmill until his heart rate reaches 85 percent of his maximum target heart rate. The maximum target heart rate is calculated by subtracting your age from 220.
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Evaluate the data from the EKG leads. For example, the longer the subject can maintain his heart rate under his target rate while on the treadmill, the more aerobically fit he is.
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Tips & Warnings
The subject should not eat or drink three hours before the test.
The data collected by the EKG leads attached to the subject are recorded on paper and must be evaluated to determine the subject's aerobic fitness.
Heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored during the test. If they rise too high (as determined by you) the test is to be stopped.
