Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), submaximal grade-walking oxygen uptake, and anthropometric measures were measured in a group of 19 children in 1988 and in 1992. The children were 5.2 ± .9 years old in 1988 and 9.2 ± 1.0 in 1992. The VO2max did not change relative to body weight over the 4 years (44.6 ml·kg−1·min−1 in 1988 versus 43.3 ml·kg−1·min−1 in 1992). Lower specific weight-relative oxygen uptakes were seen at the submaximal work levels in 1992 than in 1988, indicating an improvement in grade-walking economy.

This study compared submaximal and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2 max) in children ages 3–4 and 5–6 years. Methods appropriate for this age group were developed to elicit maximal performance on the exercise tests. Subjects (N = 22) performed progressive treadmill walking tests. The criteria used to determine whether V̇O2 max was reached were a plateauing of oxygen uptake, HR > 195, and an R > 1.00. The V̇O2 max for the 3- and 4-year-olds (44.5 ml•kg−1•min−1) was not significantly different from that of the 5- and 6-year-olds (44.1 ml•kg−1•min−1). At submaximal levels, 5- and 6-year-olds had significantly lower relative oxygen uptake, indicating better economy in walking. A large proportion of children met testing criteria for V̇O2 max. Test-retest results indicated that the tests were reliable.

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