A comparison of methods of predicting maximum oxygen uptake.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the results from a Cooper walk run test, a multistage shuttle run test, and a submaximal cycle test with the direct measurement of maximum oxygen uptake on a treadmill. Three predictive tests of maximum oxygen uptake-linear extrapolation of heart rate of VO2 collected from a submaximal cycle ergometer test (predictedL,)

Enhancing specificity in proxy-design for the assessment of bioenergetics

“…Furthermore, these differences allude to the notion that intensity in the MST is markedly increased compared to the gold standard test. These results are also in line with previous reports questioning metabolic (8,18,19) and performance-based (20) aspects of the classical MST.…”

“…Lack of specificity in factors such as intensity, duration, exercise mode, technique and, particularly, musculature employed may account for significant performance differences between the proxy and the gold standard. This may explain the reduced precision frequently reported in relation to fieldtesting (3,7,8).…”

Position statement: Testing physical condition in a population – how good are the methods?

“…While estimation equation used yielded a systematic underestimation of VO 2max by 4 ml/kg/min (McCutcheon et al, 1990) in one study, no statistically significant difference was found in two other studies (Cooper, 1968;Grant S et al, 1995;McCutcheon et al, 1990). However, inexperienced runners have difficulties to find the optimal speed, and are therefore underestimated.…”

“…However, inexperienced runners have difficulties to find the optimal speed, and are therefore underestimated. The multistage 20-meter shuttle run test (MST) was shown to be an accurate method to estimate VO 2max in adults in one study (r = 0.90) (Léger L & Gadoury C, 1989), whereas other studies failed to provide such strong correlations (r = 0.79 -0.86) and reported a statistically significant underestimation of VO 2max by MST (3.0 -7.5 %) (Cooper et al, 2005;Grant S et al, 1995;McNaughton L et al, 1998;Ramsbottom R et al, 1988). In children and adolescents, the correlations between MST estimates and criterion measures of VO 2max ranged between 0.71 and 0.87 (American College of Sports Medicine position stand., 1990; Boreham CAG et al, 1990;Léger L et al, 1988;Liu NYS et al, 1992).…”

“…In children and adolescents, the correlations between MST estimates and criterion measures of VO 2max ranged between 0.71 and 0.87 (American College of Sports Medicine position stand., 1990; Boreham CAG et al, 1990;Léger L et al, 1988;Liu NYS et al, 1992). A comparison between Cooper test and MST showed that the former is a better predictor of VO 2max (Grant S et al, 1995) in experienced runners. Both running tests are most appropriate for individuals with sufficient fitness level and motor skills and require a considerable motivation.…”