Is a verification phase needed to determine [Formula: see text]O2max across fitness levels?

Abstract

Current methods (plateau/secondary criteria) to determine maximal oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]O2max) are inconsistently achieved leading some to suggest the use of a verification phase (VP) to confirm [Formula: see text]O2max. To provide further evidence for the inclusion of a VP to confirm [Formula: see text]O2max in different fitness levels. Forty-nine participants (22 females; 21.9 ± 2.6years, 24.3 ± 2.8kg m-2, 45.27 ± 7.68mL kg-1 min-1) had their [Formula: see text]O2 and heart rate measured during three graded exercise tests (GXT) on separate days each followed by a VP of differing intensity (85%, 95%, 105% final workload). Participants were divided into groups using norms adapted from American College of Sports Medicine [Formula: see text]O2max guidelines (30.47-61.47mL kg-1 min-1). [Formula: see text]O2max was confirmed if the [Formula: see text]O2peak on the VP or an additional GXT was within ± 2 × typical error of the [Formula: see text]O2peak attained on the first GXT. There was no effect of test number so the third GXT was not included in comparison with VP. The [Formula: see text]O2peak from the first GXT was not different than either value attained following the VP at 95 or 105% workload or a second GXT (p > 0.999). The 85% VP [Formula: see text]O2peak was lower than the first GXT [Formula: see text]O2peak (p = 0.002). The VP confirmed the GXT [Formula: see text]O2peak on 73% of VP (no differences among fitness levels). Submaximal VP (85 and 95%) was less effective as 65% and 51% of participants achieved a higher [Formula: see text]O2peak on one of the GXT. The use of a VP at 105% or a second GXT was able to confirm the [Formula: see text]O2max value attained across a range of fitness levels.