Article

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a powerful predictor of health
outcomes. Valid and portable reference values are integral to interpreting
measured VO2max; however, available reference standards lack validation and are
specific to exercise mode.
This study was undertaken to develop and validate a
single equation for normal standards for VO2max for the treadmill or cycle
ergometer in men and women. Methods Healthy individuals
( N = 10,881; 67.8% men,
20-85 years) who performed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on either a
treadmill or a cycle ergometer were studied. Of these, 7617 and 3264 individuals
were randomly selected for development and validation of the equation,
respectively. A Brazilian sample (1619 individuals) constituted a second
validation cohort. The prediction equation was determined using multiple
regression analysis, and comparisons were made with the widely-used Wasserman and
European equations. Results Age, sex, weight, height and exercise mode were
significant predictors of VO2max. The regression equation was: VO2max (ml kg(-1)
min(-1)) = 45.2 - 0.35*Age - 10.9*Sex (male = 1; female = 2) - 0.15*Weight
(pounds) + 0.68*Height (inches) - 0.46*Exercise Mode (treadmill = 1; bike = 2) (
R = 0.79, R(2 )= 0.62, standard error of the estimate = 6.6 ml kg(-1) min(-1)).
Percentage predicted VO2max for the US and Brazilian validation cohorts were
102.8% and 95.8%, respectively. The new equation performed better than
traditional equations, particularly among women and individuals >/=60 years old.
Conclusion A combined equation was developed for normal standards for VO2max for
different exercise modes derived from a US national registry. The equation
provided a lower average error between measured and predicted VO2max than
traditional equations even when applied to an independent cohort. Additional
studies are needed to determine its portability.

Langue : ANGLAIS