Correlation of Gerkin, Queen's College, George, and Jackson methods in estimating maximal oxygen consumption

Background and aim: Test of maximal oxygen consumption is the gold standard for measuring cardio-pulmonary fitness. This study aimed to determine correlation of Gerkin, Queen's College, George, and Jackson methods in estimating maximal oxygen consumption, and demographic factors affecting maximal oxygen consumption.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a census of medical emergency students (n=57) in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2016. The subjects firstly completed the General Health Questionnaire (PAR-Q) and demographic characteristics. Then eligible subjects were assessed using exercise tests of Gerkin treadmill, Queen's College steps and non-exercise George, and Jackson. Data analysis was carried out using independent t-test, one way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation in the SPSS software.

Results: The mean age of participants was 21.69±4.99 years. The mean of maximal oxygen consumption using Gerkin, Queen's College, George, and Jackson tests was 4.17, 3.36, 3.64, 3.63 liters per minute, respectively. Pearson statistical test showed a significant correlation among fours tests. George and Jackson tests had the greatest correlation (r=0.85, p>0.001). Results of tests of one-way analysis of variance and t-test showed a significant relationship between independent variable of weight and height in four tests, and dependent variable of maximal oxygen consumption. Also, there was a significant relationship between variable of body mass index in two tests of Gerkin and Queen's College and variable of exercise hours per week with the George and Jackson tests (p>0.001).

Conclusion: Given the obtained correlation, these tests have the potential to replace each other as necessary, so that the non-exercise Jackson test can be used instead of the Gerkin test.