The accuracy of two equations for predicting maximal oxygen uptake on individualized ramp protocol

Abstract

Purpose. Valid protocols use nomograms based on standardized stages to calculate maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max). Although the maximal ramp exercise protocol offers advantages over traditional protocols, it is not known if the non-standardized stages approach affects the accuracy to estimate VO 2 max. the study aims to examine the accuracy of 2 equations for predicting VO 2 max in a maximal ramp exercise test. Methods. Overall, 11 men (age: 26 ± 5 years, height: 178 ± 7 cm, weight: 77.6 ± 9.9 kg) underwent 3 sessions of a maximal ramp test on a motorized treadmill; the speed increments were equal but with 0, 3, and 6% grades. Expired gases were analysed with a portable metabolic system. the VO 2 max measured was set as the highest mean value observed from 7 consecutive breaths and it was predicted from 2 equations: American college Sports Medicine (AcSM) and Myers. Results. VO2max predicted by AcSM equation (54.3 ± 6.7 mL • kg-1 • min-1) was approximately 10 ± 10% higher and by Myers equation (30.6 ± 6.1 mL • kg-1 • min-1) approximately 38 ± 11% lower than directly measured (49.6 ± 6.7 mL • kg-1 • min-1 , p < 0.05). Bland-Altman graphs indicate low and no agreement for AcSM and Myers equations, respectively. the calculated standard error of the estimates was 6.5 mL • kg-1 • min-1 for AcSM equation and 19.9 mL • kg-1 • min-1 for Myers equation. Conclusions. the AcSM and Myers equations significantly over-and under-predict the VO 2 max of young adults, respectively. Although the former overestimated VO 2 max, we recommend its use with caution.

Comparison of VO2max Estimations for Maximal and Submaximal Exercise Tests in Apparently Healthy Adults

“…As expected, the ACSM running equation significantly overestimated VO 2 max during an exercise test performed to physical exhaustion by 20.9% on average. This aligns with similar studies conducted on active and athletic individuals [ 12 , 16 , 17 ]. For example, Koutlianos, Dimitros [ 12 ] observed a significant overestimation of 14.6% with the ACSM equation in 55 male athletes aged 18 to 37 years using a Bruce protocol.…”

“…For example, Koutlianos, Dimitros [ 12 ] observed a significant overestimation of 14.6% with the ACSM equation in 55 male athletes aged 18 to 37 years using a Bruce protocol. Similarly, overestimations of 9.3% [ 16 ] and 18.0% [ 17 ] were reported in young and active males using a Ramp protocol. However, unlike our study, none of these studies included women in their groups.…”

“…On the contrary, most studies on the subject have identified overestimations in VO 2 and VO 2 max using the equation [ 11 , 12 , 13 ] and it appears to be based on a small and non-representative sample of the general population [ 11 , 14 , 15 ]. For instance, three studies performed with groups of apparently healthy and active males found significant VO 2 max overestimations ranging from 9.5 to 18.0% [ 12 , 16 , 17 ]. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no study has compared both maximal and submaximal VO 2 max estimations using this equation.…”