| Summary: | Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate known correlates of VO2max including
subject characteristics and exercise test data to develop an equation to estimate VO2max for the
BSU/Bruce Ramp protocol. Methods: 1913 cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPX) were
performed by adults aged 48 ± 13 years (range 18-82 years, 54% male). Linear regression
analysis was performed to predict VO2max using 946 CPX with the remaining 967 used for crossvalidation.
Exclusion criteria applied were RER <1.0, < 18 years old, abnormal test termination,
and CPX from the same subject repeated within one month. Results: Total test time had the
strongest correlation (r=0.82) with VO2max. Two separate equations were developed to predict
VO2max. Total test time alone predicted VO2max with a standard error of 5.5 ml.kg-1.min-1.
Addition of age, gender, physical activity status, and body weight improved the prediction to
account for 77% of the variance in VO2max with a standard error of 4.6 ml.kg-1.min-1
.
Conclusion: Of the exercise testing variables examined, the same predictors as previous
analysis of test time, age, gender, body weight, and activity status provided the strongest
prediction of VO2max. Additional variables of fat free mass and 1-minute heart rate recovery did
not improve upon the prediction. Researchers and clinicians need to determine if the accuracy
limits of ± 1 MET for predicted VO2max are acceptable in clinical practice. When greater
accuracy is required, measured VO2max should be obtained.
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