Abstract
Purpose
To develop accurate and practical prediction models of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) using the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)-step test in South Korean adults.
Methods
In total, 568 adults (20–66 years) were included in this study. To develop and cross-validate prediction models of VO2max, the total sample was divided into 80% training and 20% testing using a simple random sampling method. VO2max was measured using the maximal-graded exercise treadmill test. Sex, age, 1-min recovery heart rate, body weight, and height were measured as potential predictors. Each test was conducted within a 2- to 3-day interval, ensuring sufficient rest. Preliminary prediction models were developed from training datasets, which were cross-validated using regression analyses and/or repeated-measures analysis of variance. The accuracy of prediction models was evaluated using R2, standard error of estimate (SEE), and mean difference (MD) against a criterion-measured VO2max.
Results
The average age and VO2max were 43.5 ± 12.9 years and 39.1 ± 7.5 ml/kg/min, respectively. For model development, three practical models with acceptable accuracy were developed (R2 = 0.56–0.61; SEE = 4.74–5.01). For model cross-validation, significant relationships between the criterion-measured and predicted VO2max were observed in all three models (R2 = 0.56–0.61; SEE = 4.62–4.88). The difference between criterion-measured and predicted VO2max was not significant in the models (MD =− 0.03 to − 0.14).
Conclusions
The prediction models included 3–5 variables as significant predictors of VO2max and had acceptable accuracy in a large sample of South Korean adults. The selected models provide a simple and practical method to estimate VO2max using the YMCA-step test for South Korean adults.
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Abbreviations
- CRF:
-
Cardiorespiratory fitness
- CHD:
-
Coronary heart disease
- MD:
-
Mean difference
- RHR:
-
Recovery heart rate
- SEE:
-
Standard error of estimate
- YMCA:
-
Young Men’s Christian Association
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OL was involved in participant recruitment, data collection, data reduction, statistical analysis and manuscript editing; SL, JM, and MK were involved in participant statistical analysis and manuscript editing; JC was involved in study design, statistical analysis, and manuscript editing. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript and agree with the order of presentation of the authors.
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Communicated by Guido Ferretti.
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Lee, O., Lee, S., Kang, M. et al. Prediction of maximal oxygen consumption using the Young Men’s Christian Association-step test in Korean adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 119, 1245–1252 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04115-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04115-8