Accuracy of VO2peak Predictions Using OMNI-RPE From a Submaximal Cycle Ergometer Test

Abstract

Prediction of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) using heart rate (HR) and VO2 from submaximal exercise tests is commonly employed. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) derived from the OMNI Cycle Scale have also been used to predict VO2peak from submaximal cycle ergometer responses in females. However, similar prediction models have not been developed for males. PURPOSE: This investigation determined the accuracy of statistical models to predict VO2peak using RPE measured during submaximal cycle ergometry. A secondary purpose compared predicted VO2peak between the RPE and HR models. METHODS: Thirty recreationally active males (20.8 + 2.0 yrs) completed a loadincremented cycle ergometer protocol. VO2, HR and RPE-Overall (O), RPE-Legs (L) and RPE-Chest/Breathing (C) were recorded during each exercise stage. RESULTS: Linear regression was used to develop separate VO2peak models using submaximal HR, RPE-O, L and C as predictor variables determined from 3 and 4 exercise stages. All 30 subjects completed 3 exercise stages and 26 subjects completed 4 stages. Mean measured VO2peak and predicted VO2peak (L/min) derived from 3 and 4 stage models are shown in the table. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between predicted and measured VO2 for any of the models.Table: Caption not availableCorrelations between measured and predicted VO2peak from the 3 stage models were: RPE-O (r = 0.57), L (r = 0.63), C (r = 0.41) and HR (r = 0.58), p < 0.05. Correlations from the 4 stage models were: RPE-O (r = 0.60), L (r = 0.67), C (r = 0.53) and HR (r = 0.51), p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: All RPE and HR models resulted in similar predicted VO2peak. Statistical models based on the relation between RPE and VO2 provide an easily administered and accurate method to predict peak aerobic power.