Technical data

Operation
02/2014-v1.0en 61
7.7.6 Further Programs
Balke Program
This program is designed to determine the user's current fitness level. Using the
Balke protocol this program evaluates the functional aerobic capacity (VO2max),
with which the cardiorespiratory fitness of the user is determined. Under an increas-
ing load, the oxygen consumption (VO2) eventually reaches a plateau. This is the
desired maximum VO2 value.
Set the values for your age and sex using the number keys or the FAST/SLOW key.
Scroll to change fields. Press ENTER to start the program.
A chest strap is required for the test. Changing the speed or incline will make the
test invalid. The test is terminated when the user's heart rate stabilizes at 130 BPM
or at 80% of the user's maximum heart rate (whichever value is lower). Press the
FAST key to begin.
The time is automatically set to 20 minutes since the program has 20 program
parts. In reality the test is terminated earlier. With this protocol the speed remains
constant at 5.5 km/h. The incline in the first minute is 0% and in the second minute
2%. With each following minute the incline increases by 1%.
A fitness value is displayed along with one of the following tables, so that the user
can evaluate their level of fitness (fitness value - VO2max value).
Men
10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79
High
56+ 53+ 49+ 45+ 43+ 41+ 39+
Good
46-55 43-52 39-48 36-44 34-42 31-40 29-38
Average
36-45 34-42 31-38 27-35 25-33 23-30 21-28
Adequate
27-35 25-33 23-30 20-26 18-24 16-22 14-20
Low
27 25 23 20 18 16 14
Women
10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79
High
53+ 49+ 45+ 42+ 38+ 35+ 33+
Good
41-52 38-48 34-44 31-41 28-37 24-34 22-32
Average
33-40 31-37 28-33 24-30 21-27 18-23 15-21
Adequate
27-32 24-30 20-27 17-23 15-20 13-17 11-14
Low
27 24 20 17 15 13 11