Exercise protocols to estimate Fatmax and maximal fat oxidation in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Physiology
• Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise

Background:

• Determining optimal exercise intensity for fat metabolism (Fatmax) in children is crucial for health and performance.
• Current exercise protocols for measuring Fatmax and maximum fat oxidation (MFO) in children lack consensus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Fatmax and MFO measurements between a 3-minute incremental cycling protocol (3-INC) and a 10-minute constant work rate exercise protocol (10-CWR) in prepubertal children.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six prepubertal children participated in the study.
• Fatmax and MFO were measured using both the 3-INC and 10-CWR protocols.
• Statistical analysis included group means and 95% limits of agreement (LoA).

Main Results:

• Group Fatmax values were consistent between the 3-INC and 10-CWR protocols, both at 55% VO2peak.
• The 95% LoA for Fatmax were ± 7% VO2peak, indicating good agreement.
• Group MFO values were similar, but the 95% LoA (-94 to 113 mg·min-1) were wide, suggesting variability.

Conclusions:

• The 3-INC protocol is a valid method for estimating Fatmax in prepubertal children when compared to the 10-CWR protocol.
• Greater caution is recommended when interpreting MFO values derived from the 3-INC protocol in this age group due to wider variability.