A comparison of various methods for the determination of VO₂max

Summary

Previous studies have shown that true maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) obtained by means of cycle ergometer and step test are lower than the VO₂max measured during uphill treadmill running. The predicted VO₂max measured by ergometer was even lower. Four different methods for the determination of VO₂max within the same group of examinees were compared: True VO₂max by treadmill, ergometer, step test, and predicted VO₂max (Astrand-Rhyming). This study was performed on 15 healthy non-professional sportsmen. They underwent progressive test protocols on alternating days and the results were as follows — VO₂max expressed in ml O₂ kg BW/min (mean±SD): treadmill running 63.8±4.7; ergometer cycling 60.2±5.6; step test 59.6±5.2 and predicted VO₂max 59.9±6.9.

The VO₂max as determined by uphill treadmill running was significantly higher than with the other methods. No significant difference was found between true VO₂max determined by the ergometer and step test. However, step test and properly executed Astrand-Rhyming test again proved to be reliable and deviate from the treadmill test by only 6%. Maximal heart rate was sgnificantly higher in the treadmill and step tests than in the direct ergometer test.