Validation of Aerosport KB1-C portable metabolic system

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Aerosport KB1-C portable metabolic measurement system against the criterion Douglas bag method. During cycle ergometry, simultaneous measurements of minute ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) were made at rest and at power outputs of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 W. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed for VE, VO2, and VCO2 between the KB1-C and Douglas bag at 100, 150, and 250 W, while the KB1-C was significantly different (P < 0.05) from Douglas bag values at rest, 50, and 200 W. R values were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05) at 100, 150, and 200 W, while no significant differences were observed at rest, 50, and 250 W. The fractional concentrations of oxygen (FEO2) and carbon dioxide (FECO2) were not significantly different at 50, 100, 200, and 250 W while values at rest and 150 W were significantly different (P < 0.05). These findings show that the Aerosport KB1-C portable metabolic system is acceptable for measuring oxygen uptake in the range of 1.5 and 3.5 L x min(-1), using the medium flow pneumotach setting. At lower intensities, the low-flow pneumotach setting provides acceptable results.