Submaximal Treadmill Exercise Test to Predict VO2max in Fit Adults

Abstract

This study was designed to develop a single-stage submaximal treadmill jogging (TMJ) test to predict VO2max in fit adults. Participants (N = 400; men = 250 and women = 150), ages 18 to 40 years, successfully completed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) at 1 of 3 laboratories to determine VO2max. The TMJ test was completed during the first 2 stages of the GXT. Following 3 min of walking (Stage 1), participants achieved a steady-state heart rate (HR) while exercising at a comfortable self-selected submaximal jogging speed at level grade (Stage 2). Gender, age, body mass, steady-state HR, and jogging speed (mph) were included as independent variables in the following multiple linear regression model to predict VO2max (R = 0.91, standard error of estimate [SEE] = 2.52 mL · kg−1 · min−1): VO2max (mL · kg−1 · min−1) = 58.687 + (7.520 × Gender; 0 = woman and 1 = man) + (4.334 × mph) − (0.211 × kg) − (0.148 × HR) − (0.107 × Age). Based on the predicted residual sum of squares (PRESS) statistics (RPRESS = 0.91, SEE PRESS = 2.54 mL · kg−1 · min−1) and small total error (TE; 2.50 mL · kg−1 · min−1; 5.3% of VO2max) and constant error (CE; −0.008 mL · kg−1 · min−1) terms, this new prediction equation displays minimal shrinkage. It should also demonstrate similar accuracy when it is applied to other samples that include participants of comparable age, body mass, and aerobic fitness level. This simple TMJ test and its corresponding regression model provides a relatively safe, convenient, and accurate way to predict VO2max in fit adults, ages 18 to 40 years.