Concurrent validity of the five-minute pyramid test for VO2max estimation in healthy young adults

Abstract

PurposeMaximal oxygen uptake (VO<sub>2</sub>max) is an important physiological parameter related to sports performance and chronic disease risk. Many field tests have been developed to estimate VO<sub>2</sub>max at reduced cost, time, and energy demands compared with laboratory measurement. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the concurrent validity of the 5-minute pyramid test (5MPT).MethodsOverall, 14 young (21.1 ± 2.1 years) adult male (<i>n</i> = 7) and female (<i>n</i> = 7) participants completed 5MPT for VO<sub>2</sub>max estimation, and a criterion measurement of VO<sub>2</sub>max by using indirect calorimetry with the Bruce treadmill protocol.ResultsA strong positive correlation (<i>r</i> = 0.86, <i>p</i> < 0.0001) was observed between the estimated and measured VO<sub>2</sub>max for the entire sample. The group mean VO<sub>2</sub>max of 5MPT (3.08 ± 0.84 l ∙ min<sup>–1</sup>) was significantly lower (<i>p</i> < 0.001, Cohen’s <i>d</i> = 0.65) than the measured value of the Bruce protocol (3.68 ± 0.99 l ∙ min<sup>–1</sup>). This difference was also observed when analysing VO2max in ml ∙ kg<sup>–1</sup> ∙ min<sup>–1</sup> (37.87 ± 5.43 ml ∙ kg<sup>–1</sup> ∙ min<sup>–1</sup> vs. 46.76 ± 9.23 ml ∙ kg<sup>–1</sup> ∙ min<sup>–1</sup>, <i>p</i> < 0.001, Cohen’s <i>d</i> = 1.17), indicating a tendency to underestimate VO<sub>2</sub>max.Conclusions5MPT was designed to estimate VO<sub>2</sub>max with a submaximal, field-test approach. It may underestimate VO<sub>2</sub>max when compared with treadmill derived maximal values in healthy young adults. Additional investigations are warranted to further test the validity and reliability of 5MPT in a variety of populations.