Verification criteria for the determination of Vo2 MAX in the field

J Strength Cond Res. 2014 Dec;28(12):3544-51. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000576.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a verification test (VT) performed in the field offers more confident results than do traditional criteria in the determination of maximal oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)). Twelve amateur runners (age, 36.6 ± 6.6 years) performed a maximal graded field test and after 15 minutes of passive recovery a supramaximal test to exhaustion at 105% of their velocity associated with (Equation is included in full-text article.)(v(Equation is included in full-text article.)). Traditional criteria and 2 different verification criteria were evaluated. Verification criteria were (a) maximal oxygen uptake achieved in the VT ((Equation is included in full-text article.)) must be ≤5% higher than (Equation is included in full-text article.), and (b) no significant differences of means between tests. All participants met the first verification criterion although significant differences were found between (Equation is included in full-text article.)and (Equation is included in full-text article.)(59.4 ± 5.1 vs. 56.2 ± 4.7 ml·kg·min, p < 0.01). The criteria for the plateau, peak heart rate (HRpeak), maximum respiratory exchange ratio (RERmax), and maximum blood lactate concentration ([La]max) were satisfied by 75, 66, 92, and 66 of the participants, respectively. Kappa coefficients gave a significant and substantial agreement beyond chance between traditional criteria (p < 0.001). Despite the substantial agreement, traditional criteria induced the rejection of participants that might have achieved a true (Equation is included in full-text article.)with HRpeak and [La]max being the more stringent criteria for amateur runners. A verification protocol in the field using the criterion based on individual analysis is recommended.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Exercise Test / methods*
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology*
  • Physical Exertion / physiology
  • Pulmonary Gas Exchange / physiology
  • Running / physiology

Substances

  • Lactic Acid