Comparison of Measured and ACSM-Predicted V˙O2 in Older Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare measured , at specific stages with the American College of Sports Medicine-predicted , at the same stage during treadmill walking in older women. Twenty-five women (age range = 56.6 to 78.1 years; mean ± SD = 66.6 ± 5.8 years) walked on a treadmill at a speed of 2.0 mph and 0% grade for the first stage and at increased grades for each subsequent stage. The results showed considerable lack of agreement between the measured and predicted , values. Predicted , was lower than measured , at 0% grade and higher than measured , al 10.2% grade (p < .05 for both). However, predicted , was not significantly different from measured , at grades of 3.4% and 6.7%. These results are generalizable only to older women who can walk 2.0 mph on a treadmill and do not use handrail support. Future research is needed to develop more accurate equations for predicting , for older women.