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6.2 Mile Stationary Cycle Ergometer Test

6.2-MILE STATIONARY CYCLE ERGOMETER TEST

The 6.2-mile stationary cycle ergometer test measures cardio respiratory (aerobic) and leg muscle endurance. Administrative and support requirements for this event follow.

EQUIPMENT

The event supervisor requires two stopwatches (the timer and back-up timer each require a stopwatch), FM 7-22, Appendix A, and one stationary cycle ergometer. The ergometer must have mechanically adjustable resistance measured in kiloponds or newtons and must be available for training and testing. The seat and handlebars must be adjustable to accommodate Soldiers of different sizes. It should have an adjustable tension setting (resistance) and an odometer. The resistance is set by a tension strap on a weighted pendulum connected to the flywheel. The cycle ergometer must be calibrated prior to test administration. Event scorers require a clipboard and black pen.

FACILITIES

The test site can be any location (usually a gym) where there is an approved cycle ergometer. The test station should be two yards wide and four yards deep.

PERSONNEL

One event supervisor, one scorer for every three Soldiers tested, one timer, one back-up timer, and support personnel to ensure proper control and safety are required. The event supervisor will not be an event scorer.

INSTRUCTIONS

The OIC, the NCOIC, or the event supervisor, must read the following before the 6.2 cycle ergometer test event (Figure A-8).

          “THE 6.2-MILE STATIONARY-CYCLE ERGOMETER EVENT MEASURES YOUR CARDIO-RESPIRATORY FITNESS AND LEG MUSCLE ENDURANCE. THE ERGOMETER’S RESISTANCE MUST BE SET AT TWO KILOPOUNDS (20 NEWTONS). ON THE COMMAND, ‘GO’, THE CLOCK WILL START, AND YOU WILL BEGIN PEDALING AT YOUR OWN PACE WHILE MAINTAINING THE RESISTANCE INDICATOR AT TWO KILOPOUNDS. YOU WILL BE SCORED ON YOUR ABILITY TO COMPLETE 6.2 MILES (10 KILOMETERS), AS SHOWN ON THE ODOMETER IN A TIME EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN THAT LISTED FOR YOUR AGE AND GENDER.”
Figure A-8. 6.2-mile stationary cycle ergometer test narrative

 In conclusion, the OIC/NCOIC, or the event supervisors, asks:

“WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS EVENT?”

ADMINISTRATION

The event supervisor will read the instructions aloud and answer questions. He will also allow each Soldier a short warm-up period and an opportunity to adjust handlebar and seat height.

TIMING TECHNIQUES

When the timer gives the command, “GET SET” the Soldiers will position themselves to begin the event. Time begins when the timer gives the command, “GO.” The timer will call out times in minutes and seconds as Soldiers near the last two-tenths of the test distance. He calls out the time remaining every 30 seconds for the last two minutes of the allowable time and every second during the last ten seconds.

SCORER DUTIES

The scorer must observe that the ergometer is functioning correctly. He must then make sure that the ergometer’s tension settings have been calibrated and are accurate, and that the resistance of the ergometer has been set at two kiloponds or 20 newtons. The scorer must observe the Soldiers throughout the event. He will have to make small adjustments to the resistance to ensure that a continuous resistance of exactly 2 kiloponds is maintained throughout the test. The scorer records the time in the time block and circles the GO or NO GO. The 6.2-mile stationary cycle ergometer is entered in the alternate event block. Refer to Figure A-11 for scoring of this event.

George N.
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