Highlights
- •Submaximal exercise–based equations predicted directly measured maximal oxygen uptake (o2max) with a moderate to strong correlation strength (r range, 0.4–0.9).
- •Three of the 4 most accurate equations, determined by the highest Pearson product moment and no significant difference between predicted and measured o2max, were derived from stepping-based submaximal exercise tests.
- •Selection should be guided by a number of factors and not just the accuracy of the equation.
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate and discuss the accuracy of submaximal exercise–based equations to predict
maximum oxygen uptake (o2max), validated using direct gas analysis, in older apparently healthy adults.
Data Sources
Studies were identified by searching 5 electronic databases and manually scanning
reference lists of included articles from the respective inception of each database
through April 2015.
Study Selection
Studies were included if they used at least 1 submaximal exercise–based variable in
the prediction, the actual o2max was directly measured using a gas analysis device, and if participants were apparently
healthy older adults (mean age ≥65y). Eligible studies were required to report at
least 1 validity statistic (eg, Pearson product-moment correlation [r]) and either a predicted and measured o2max value or a directional significant difference between the measured and predicted
o2max values. No limits were placed on year of publication, but only full-text, published
articles in the English language were included.
Data Extraction
Nine articles and 13 equations were retained from the systematic search strategy.
If the same prediction equation was used across multiple trials, data from the most
accurate trial were reported.
Data Synthesis
Submaximal equations predicted directly measured o2max with a moderate to strong correlation strength (r range, 0.4–0.9). Predicted o2max significantly differed from directly measured in 2 of the 13 equations. The preferred
mode of ergometry was walking or running (7 equations); a stepping protocol was the
most accurate (R2=0.9, not significant between predicted and measured o2max).
Conclusions
Factors to consider when choosing a submaximal exercise–based equation are the accuracy
of the equation, the population tested, the mode of ergometry, the equipment availability,
and the time needed to conduct familiarization sessions.
Keywords
List of abbreviations:
V˙o2 (oxygen uptake), V˙o2max (maximum oxygen uptake), Vo2peak (peak oxygen uptake)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 22, 2015
Footnotes
A.E.S. was funded by Alzheimer's Australia while conducting this study.
Disclosures: none.
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
