Technical data

Operation
62 02/2014-v1.0en
Gerkin Program
With the Gerkin protocol there is a tiered VO2 test with submaximal values. It is
used by the International Association of Fire Fighters to determine fitness for ser-
vice with the fire department.
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. STOP THE TEST if you do
not feel well. This test calculates the fitness, when the heart rate stabilizes at ____
BPM. Then a cool-down phase begins. Do not change the speed or incline. Press the
FAST key to begin.
FITTNESS TEST PROTOCOL WORKSHEET:
Name: Date:
Resting heart rate: I. II. III.
Resting blood pres-
sure:
I. II. III.
Weight: kg Training target heart rate (85% of the MHF):
CAUTION
IF THE PERSON AT ANY TIME DURING A TEST EXPERIENCES CHEST PAIN,
DIZZINESS, ATAXIA, CONFUSION, NAUSEA OR COLD SWEAT, THE TEST
MUST BE ENDED IMMEDIATELY.
 Place the heart rate device on the person and give them a towel.
 The heart rate of uniformed personnel is measured continuously throughout
the test and in the cool-down phase. The heart rate is retrieved and recorded
during the last 15 seconds of each phase.
 If the heart rate of the person exceeds the target training heart rate, continue
the test in the phase in which the target training heart rate was exceeded for
an additional 15 seconds.
 The test is completed and the final testing phase is given if the heart rate does
not return to the target training heart rate (or a lower value) or when the per-
son reaches phase 11.4.
 The VO2max is determined using the retrieved final test phase and the conver-
sion table.
 Record the heart rate after a one minute cool-down.