OBJECTIVEThis study sought to derive generalized equations for predicting maximal workload for young men and women. METHODSDirect ergospirometry (Aerosport ® TEEM 100, USA) was used to determine VO 2máx and the maximal work load (W max ) on the cycle ergometer test (Monark ® , Brazil) of thirty men (25 ± 5 years, 75.0 ± 10.7 kg; 48.4 ± 8.8 mL . kg -1 . min -1 and 243 ± 51 Watts) and thirty women (26 ± 5 years, 56.7 ± 5.9 kg, 39.8 ± 7.6 mL . kg -1 .min -1 and 172 ± 37 Watts). Age and body mass were used as independent variables. For all statistic tests, a p ≤ 0.05 signifi cance level was adopted. RESULTSIn the multiple linear adjustment, the maximal workload was explained by age and body mass as 54% (r = 0.73) for men, and as 76% (r = 0.87) for women, with standard errors of 0.66 W . kg -1 and 25 Watts. The proposed equations were cross-validated using another sample with similar age and VO 2máx characteristics comprised of fifteen men and fifteen women. The intraclass correlation between the predicted W max values and those measures by ergospirometry were 0.70 and 0.69, with standard errors of 28.4 and 15.8 Watts, respectively, for men and women. CONCLUSIONSThis study exhibits valid generalized equations for determining the maximal cycle ergonometer workload for men and women.

Background: Many methods are used for determining the Anaerobic Threshold (AT) by means of sophisticated ergospirometer.

Extended-field-of-view ultrasonography is a valid alternative to determine the dimensions of the skeletal striated muscle; however, some factors may influence the final measurement. The aim of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability and measurement error of vastus lateralis muscle architecture variables through internal anatomical landmarks and to compare three fixed determined points using extended-field-of-view ultrasonography. Twelve young (24 ± 6 years) adult university male students participated in the study. Images were obtained through extended-field-of-view ultrasonography of the vastus lateralis muscle. Measurements were made for muscle thickness (MT), fascicle length (FL), and fascicle pennation angle (FA) using a method that identifies internal anatomical landmarks. MT was also measured at predetermined distances of 2 cm proximal, 6 cm proximal, and 2 cm distal. One-way ANOVA with repeated measures did not identify any test-retest significant differences for all variables measured. Typical measurement error in centimeters (cm) or degrees (º), coefficient of variation in percentage (%) and intraclass correlation coefficient were MT = 0.07 cm, 2.93%, 0.964; FL = 0.31 cm, 2.89%, 0.947; FA = 0.92°, 4.08%, 0.942; MT 2 cm proximal = 0.10 cm, 3.77%, 0.910; MT 6 cm proximal = 0.27 cm, 9.66%, 0.576; MT 2 cm distal = 0.35 cm, 19.76%, 0.564. MT, FL and FA showed high reliability and low measurement error. Internal anatomical landmarks proved to be more reliable and presented smaller measurement errors when compared to the predetermined distances method.

RESUMOIntrodução: A área muscular do braço (A mb ) é componente da massa corporal magra (MCM). Objetivo: Propor uma equação para estimativa da MCM através da A mb . Métodos: Quarenta e cinco voluntários masculinos, aparentemente saudáveis, com idade média de 22 ± 3 anos e massa corporal 74,9 ± 8,43 kg, foram distribuídos randomicamente em grupos de validação interna (VI) e validação externa (VE). Tais sujeitos foram submetidos a medidas antropométricas e à hidrometria. Antes dos testes, os sujeitos receberam as seguintes orientações: a) evitar o consumo de cafeína e álcool nas 24 horas precedentes; b) não realizar atividade física extenuante (≥ 5 METs), pelo menos nas 12 horas prévias ao exame e; c) período pós-prandial de quatro horas. A área muscular do braço foi determinada através da equação: . A mb ); r 2 = 0,91, EPE= 1,85 kg (2,5% da massa corporal ou MC). Para VE, não houve diferença significativa entre a MCM medida pela eletrobioimpedância e a prevista pela fórmula acima (p=0,350), r²= 0,94, CV%= 2,0%, CCI= 0,97 e EPE= 1,87 kg. Conclusão: A equação de regressão múltipla derivada permite estimar a MCM de jovens brasileiros do sexo masculino.Palavras-chave: composição corporal, impedância bioelétrica, área muscular do braço. ABSTRACT Introduction: Arm muscle area (A ma ) is a component of lean body mass (LBM). Objective: The objective of this study was to develop an equation for estimating LBM through the